Digital herbicide power modules

• Grant number: 18/22491-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: July 01, 2019
• End date: June 30, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering
• Agreement: FINEP - PIPE/PAPPE Grant
• Principal Investigator: Sergio de Andrade Coutinho Filho
• Grantee: Sergio de Andrade Coutinho Filho
• Company: Zasso Brasil Indústria e Comércio de Máquinas Ltda
• CNAE: Fabricação de máquinas-ferramenta
• Associated researchers: Bruno Valverde ; Diego Teruo Mendes de Souza

Abstract

The growing demand for development of a more socially and environmentally responsible weeding solution with a reduction in the use of agrochemicals due to the evidence of its strong negative effects has motivated research in this direction. In this context Zasso Brazil have been created, with the development of electric weeding technologies, a socially responsible and environmentally sustainable option. As the years passed by, several adaptations were made to the technologies, making it possible to use them in urban environments for the cleaning of guides and highways. However, a great limitation of the equipment is its high weight and volume, which makes difficult the access to certain places and adaptations to irregular surfaces, besides the obligatory use of heavy tractors or trucks. This project seeks, through the implementation of power electronics concepts, to drastically reduce the weight and volume of the system' magnetic devices, as well as the implementation of automatic, intuitive and intelligent control, supervision and protection systems. Based on results of tests already performed in the company, urban weeding equipment will be readapted and modernized to this new reality, increasing its range of application and operational, commercial and financial possibilities. (AU)