Design Challenge - March 2011

Amos Boaz

Self-propelled sprayers have to be durable and resist chemical corrosion. This leads to the widespread use of polymers and composite materials, which are very friendly with regards to form; hence my decision to design a crop sprayer for this challenge.

The Orpela Leaf concept’s main goal is to capture and store energy. The self-propelled sprayer moves with a hub motor at each of the four wheels, providing more efficiency than a single engine. Steering is by wire for each wheel. Each motor has a kinetic energy recovery system (KERS), which converts the braking energy into electricity and stores it in the batteries.

The main frame is solid and is positioned beneath the aerodynamic carbon shell. The arms are also under the shell to improve the Orpela’s aerodynamics when travelling fast on the road. The secondary frame acts as a cradle, supporting the generator, the batteries, the 500-litre cleaning tank and the main tank. This cradle is connected to the main frame with a suspension that enables it to move as the working machine vibrates. This movement is converted by KERS into electricity and stored in the batteries.

The main tank contains a special ‘leaf’ or paddle, which moves with the fluid in the tank during work mode, and this movement is also converted into electricity to charge the batteries. A KERS also exists in the machine’s suspension, in the boom system and in the driversuspended seat, generating and storing electricity in the batteries.

On the carbon body and on the large area of the boom there are solar panels that open during work, using solar power to generate electricity. A ‘nanodynamo’ wheel system enables energy from the tyre’s elastic movement to be transported in nano tubes in the tyre, to pass into the rim and rotate a disk. Heat from the friction between tyre and road can also be channelled in this way. The concept uses innovative materials and systems to capture energy and be ultra-efficient. Its unique shape emphasises its difference and makes it desirable.       

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BIOGRAPHY

Amos Boaz is a specialist in industrial design and styling of high-performance vehicles. He also lectures in the Bezalel Academy of Art and Design, Jerusalem

CONTACT DETAILS

Email: amosboaz@netvision.net.il

Website: www.amosboaz.com