Building a Bio-Fertilizer Generator from Food Waste Using Solar Energy

Abstract

Solar energy is considered clean, pollution-free and high potential energy. Moreover, it can also be used endlessly. Converting solar energy into electricity to produce bio-fertilizer from organic waste is a new alternative for waste disposal. More than 50 percent of solid waste is organic waste, such as scraps from food, vegetables, fruits, and dry leaves. Composting them to produce bio-fertilizer is a way to turn waste into value. Creating a bio-fertilizer generator from food waste using solar energy started from data study to system design, construction of bio-fertilizer generator, installation of control system, machine testing and data collection to determine the efficiency of the fertilizer generator from food waste. The average test results were the light intensity of 514.46 W/m2, load current of 0.26A, load voltage of 85.42V, load power of 23.79W, and rotation speed of 74.62 rpm. The rotational speed of the spindle was sufficient to be used for digging or spreading the food waste to mix with the starter throughout the production period. Thus, the bio-fertilizer generator from food waste using solar energy was able to produce bio-fertilizer efficiently. The test results of the bio-fertilizer from food waste showed a total nitrogen content of 0.20 percent by weight, a total phosphorus content of 0.30 percent by weight, a total potassium content of 1.02 percent by weight, a total primary nutrient content of 1.20 percent by weight, a carbon to nitrogen ratio of 22.74, and a moisture content of 21.70 percent. The bio-fertilizer produced from food waste was high in potassium, which is a nutrient that helps nourish the productivity of all types of plants. It plays an important role in formation of tissue, starch, and sugar, as well as increase weight, size, and sweetness for plants such as sugarcane, coconut, cassava, etc.