Performance Optimization of a Time-Controlled Solar-Powered Automatic Aquaculture Feeder for Freshwater Systems Based on Disc-Spreader Height and Rotational Speed
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65141/ject.v3i1.n2Keywords:
fish-feeders, uniformity distribution, mechanization, controls, solar-poweredAbstract
Agricultural intensification, mechanization, and automation are highly favored globally. Since automation of aquaculture systems was enabled, the sector has been able to improve environmental management, reduce losses, minimize production costs, and improve product quality. This study aimed to perform a modification and performance evaluation of the solar-powered automatic aquaculture feeder under different height placements and rotational speeds of the disc spreader. A two-factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three treatments for factor A and five treatments for factor B, replicated thrice, was adopted. The dependent variables were uniformity distribution, maximum discharge radius, percent loss, power consumption, discharge rate, and discharge efficiency. The overall means for the dependent variables were 4.42m for the maximum radius, 69.21 g/s for the discharge rate, 99.18% for the discharge efficiency, 72.48% for the uniformity distribution, 0.14% for the percent loss, 3.37 Wh for the power consumption, and a PV system efficiency of 20.74%. The machine performed best when the disc spreader had an rpm of 1400–1450 and a height of 80 cm, yielding efficient results for the variables. Also, the optimized feeder system reduced dependence on manual labor and improved feed uniformity distribution. The machine costs Php 15,961.00 with an operating cost of Php 4,685.70. Energy and labor costs were negligible due to its solar power and self-loading hopper. Moreover, it generated an annual benefit of Php 59,949.00, with a BCR of 2.904, an ROI of 190%, and a payback period of 0.526 years.
References
[1] Ayub, M. A., Kushairi, S., & Latif, A. A. (2015). A new mobile robotic system for intensive aquaculture industries. Journal of Applied Science and Agriculture, 10(8), 1–7. https://scispace.com/pdf/a-new-mobile-robotic-system-for-intensive-aquaculture-2542tlhtk7.pdf
[2] Cariño, P. C. (2023, June 16). PH mechanization level increases to 2.679 hp/ha—PHilMech. Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization. https://www.philmech.gov.ph/?page=story_full_view&action=story_fullview&recordID=20236643242PM56f67a&recordCategory=News
[3] Cruz, M. (2022, December 12). WFP Philippines: Food security monitoring—October 2022. World Food Programme. https://www.wfp.org/publications/wfp-philippines-food-security-monitoring-october-2022
[4] D’Abramo, L. R. (2021). Sustainable aquafeed and aquaculture production systems as impacted by challenges of global food security and climate change. Journal of the World Aquaculture Society, 52(6), 1159–1164. https://doi.org/10.1111/jwas.12867
[5] Deroy, M. C. U., Espaldon, A. J., Osa, J. E. F., & Macalla, G. P. B. (2017). Design and implementation of an automated fish feeder robot for the Philippine aquaculture industry: Feeding mechanism and float design module. Mindanao Journal of Science and Technology, 15(1), 89–102. https://mjst.ustp.edu.ph/index.php/mjst/article/view/79
[6] El Shal, A. M., El Sheikh, F. M., & Elsbaay, A. M. (2021). Design and fabrication of an automatic fish feeder prototype suited for tilapia tanks. Fishes, 6(4), 1–12. shttps://doi.org/10.3390/fishes6040074
[7] Eraña, I. M., Bareng, J. L., Balderama, O. F., Naval, R. C., Taracatac, A. C., Labuanan, F. R. E., Bose, W. H., Jr., Awisen, M. C., & Dingoasen, S. M. L. (2024). Development of integrated solar-powered wireless smart IoT-based water level monitoring embedded system. Linker: The Journal of Emerging Research in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, 4(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.65141/jeraff.v4i1.n1
[8] Herrero, M. J., Pascual, M., Madrid, J. A., & Sánchez-Vázquez, F. J. (2005). Demand-feeding rhythms and feeding-entrainment of locomotor activity rhythms in tench (Tinca tinca). Physiology & Behavior, 84(4), 595–605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physbeh.2005.02.015
[9] Lamarca, N. S. (2017). Fisheries country profile: Philippines. Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC). http://www.seafdec.org/fisheries-country-profile-philippines/
[10] Ogunlela, A. O., & Adebayo, A. A. (2016). Development and performance evaluation of an automatic fish feeder. Journal of Aquaculture Research & Development, 7(2), 1124–1133. https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-9546.1000407
[11] PhilMech. (2024). Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization. PHilMech. https://www.philmech.gov.ph/
[12] Philippine Statistics Authority. (2025, May 16). Fisheries. https://rssocar.psa.gov.ph/fisheries
[13] Rahayuningtyas, A., Sagita, D., Azizah, I. F., & Furqon, M. (2023). Design and performance of an automatic fish feeder with an adjustable spreader system. Agricultural Engineering International: CIGR Journal, 25(4), 92–102. https://cigrjournal.org/index.php/Ejounral/article/view/8855
[14] Ramos, E. P., Mangadap, C. B., Alcaraz, J. M., & Bareng, J. L. R. (2025). Development and performance evaluation of locally manufactured tractor-drawn plastic mulch-laying implement using disc plow at different forward speeds. Isabela State University Linker: Journal of Engineering, Computing and Technology, 2(1), 86–96. https://doi.org/10.65141/ject.v2i1.n7
[15] Shakiba, E., & North, D. G. (2025). Integration of marker-assisted and field selection in developing TGMS lines for hybrid rice in the southern United States. Euphytica, 221(12), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-025-03639-9
[16] Sobri, M. A., & Topiq, S. (2024). Automatic fish feed design and IoT-based monitoring using NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller. Journal Corner of Education, Linguistics, and Literature, 4(1), 503–514. https://doi.org/10.54012/jcell.v4i001.426
[17] Tanveer, M., Balasubramanian, S., Siyakumar, M., Manimehalai, N., & Jagan, P. (2018). A technical review on feeders in aquaculture. International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies, 6(4), 305–309. https://www.fisheriesjournal.com/archives/2018/vol6issue4/PartD/6-4-23-347.pdf
[18] Valdez, J. R. (2022). Fabrication and performance evaluation of solar-powered aquaculture feeder for fresh water environment. [Unpublished Thesis]. Isabela State University–Echague.
