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Description
The STRATOCUMULUS S.R.L. project, supported in part by the EEA and Norway Grants, focuses on developing an innovative linear smart irrigation system powered by renewable energy sources, particularly solar energy. This project aims to revolutionize irrigation practices by utilizing solar power during peak sunlight hours to minimize energy consumption and enhance irrigation efficiency. By addressing the high energy consumption of traditional thermal engines used in irrigation, STRATOCUMULUS S.R.L. aims to create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly solution. The project also seeks to increase its competitiveness in the market by offering cutting-edge irrigation technology while contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions in agriculture.
The project aims to create a self-sufficient irrigation system using renewable electricity. It will be smart enough to adjust water usage based on the crop type, plant growth, and local rainfall. It will also provide protection against insects and fungi while fertilizing the plants.
Achieving these goals requires some key activities, including:
- Software Development
- Financial Audit
- Project Promotion
- Project Management
This project contains a strong bilateral component. The Norwegian company NOVELTEX OSLO AS will help research and find eco-friendly materials for the irrigation system while optimizing its environmental impact. Noveltex, our partner, will offer guidance to our engineering team to reduce the system''s carbon footprint and make it more sustainable. They''ll also assist us in finding certified suppliers in Europe to reduce transportation emissions. Noveltex will analyze various options to streamline the product''s overall cost and ecological qualities, providing recommendations to make it more environmentally friendly. They''ll identify carbon hotspots and help us choose the best model for our project.
Summary of project results
The project aimed to tackle several significant challenges. One of the primary issues was the high fuel consumption of thermal engines used in current irrigation systems. These engines consumed a lot of fuel relative to the mechanical work they performed, leading to inefficiencies. Additionally, the need for irrigation coincided with periods when the sun was most prominent, making it logical to harness solar energy to power the irrigation systems.
Another challenge was the advancement of technology and the need for effective collaboration with project partners. The project identified risks related to technological advancements that could alter current quality standards and the necessity for ongoing communication and cooperation with partners. To mitigate these risks, the project maintained constant monitoring of foreign sources, kept in contact with equipment suppliers, and ensured continuous collaboration with partners like Norma Industries S.R.L., which provided expertise in mechanical execution.
Lastly, the project focused on selecting and sourcing sustainable materials for the irrigation system. The Norwegian partner, Noveltex, played a crucial role in this aspect by providing guidance on reducing the carbon footprint and enhancing the circularity of the product. This partnership aimed to create a sustainable and efficient irrigation system that could significantly improve resource optimization and energy conservation.
The project undertook a series of activities aimed at developing an autonomous irrigation system powered by renewable energy sources (RES). The primary activities included software development, mechanical execution, 3D modeling, and the acquisition of electronic parts for prototype development. The software development encompassed embedded software, cloud data aggregation software, a web application, and a mobile application. The Romanian partner, Norma Industries S.R.L., was responsible for the mechanical execution of the prototypes, including SolidWorks and Metalix modeling.
The project also involved the creation of three prototype iterations, each designed for different agricultural applications. The first prototype was a galvanized steel cell for irrigating wheat and rapeseed fields, the second was an aluminum cell for the same application, and the third was designed for natural fall irrigation specific to sunflower and corn fields. The Norwegian partner, Noveltex, contributed by selecting and sourcing sustainable materials, conducting carbon footprint analysis, and providing recommendations for optimizing the product''s environmental impact.
The outputs of the project included the development of an autonomous irrigation system optimized for water consumption, insect-fungicidal protection, and foliar fertilization. The project also resulted in the registration of a patent, a financial audit, and various publicity activities. Additionally, the project achieved significant outcomes such as estimated annual growth in turnover and net operational profit, creation of new jobs, reduction in CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and fuel consumption, and the production of green energy.
The project achieved several significant outcomes and impacts, benefiting various stakeholders. One of the primary results was the development of an autonomous irrigation system powered by renewable energy sources, optimized for water consumption, insect-fungicidal protection, and foliar fertilization. This system is expected to significantly improve resource optimization and energy conservation in agriculture.
The beneficiaries of these outcomes include the agricultural sector, which will benefit from more efficient and sustainable irrigation systems, and the environment, which will see reduced carbon emissions and energy consumption. Additionally, the project''s partners, such as Norma Industries S.R.L. and Noveltex, benefited from the collaboration and the opportunity to contribute to a sustainable and innovative project.
Summary of bilateral results
Norma Industries was responsible for the mechanical execution of the prototypes, including SolidWorks and Metalix modeling. They manufactured three prototypes of linear irrigation installation cells, each 50 meters in length, and completed the installation of a 200-meter-long system. Additionally, the partner contributed financially to the project, assisting with co-financing and brought over 20 years of experience in metal structures, housings, and containers. Completed with expertise in PRO ENGINEERING design and the design of thin sheet structures and strength calculation.Noveltex Oslo AS played a crucial role in the research, selection, and sourcing of sustainable materials for the irrigation solution. They provided advice and feedback to ensure the product had a better carbon footprint and circularity. NOVELTEX evaluated components such as sensors, motors, and solar panels, considering the manufacturer''s profile and geographical position to improve the environmental impact through short-distance transportation. They analyzed all options and made recommendations for streamlining the total cost of the product, leading to increased ecological qualities and added value for the customer. NOVELTEX also performed analyses to identify carbon hot spots and compared results for different options to help STRATOCUMULUS choose the optimal model.