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Solar powered lawn mower
The Background
As part of his technology studies research, Vaughan came across a statistic on the internet reporting that lawn mowers are the second most polluting machines in the environment today. In fact, in just one hour a conventional lawn mower produces the same amount of emissions as forty late model cars. This is an astounding amount of pollution, especially considering how much most Australian's love their lawns. So Vaughan put his knowledge of electronics, solar panels and lawn mowers together and created a solar powered lawn mower.
The Project
Vaughan built his prototype from an old Victor lawnmower, stripping it down to its basic foundation. He then built the electrical components on top of the bare chassis. The components are quite simple: a ‘deep cycle’ battery, a 40 Watt solar panel, a home made regulator circuit to control charging and, in the spirit of re-use, a used fan motor from an ’88 Holden Commodore.
The mower is powered by a battery bank charged by a solar array and has been assembled into a fully working prototype. The battery takes on average eight hours to fully charge. Once charged can be operated independently of the solar panel for up to four hours continuous use. As there is no noisy combustion engine, the solar powered lawn mower is also quiet to operate. The mower is not directly powered by its panels and as a result it will even cut grass on a cloudy day.
Finding parts and constructing a working model was extremely challenging. Great persistence on Vaughan's part allowed him to succeed in developing the solar powered lawn mower.
The Journey
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Vaughan's solar powered lawn mower is a prime example of true eco-innovation: an innovation that produces positive ecological outcomes.
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Vaughan developed insight to combine his existing knowledge and develop a sustainable solution to a common pollution problem.
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Through this project, Vaughan explored the relationship between technology and social and environmental sustainability issues.
This solar powered lawn mower is a true eco-innovation. Significantly reducing air emissions and noise pollution, it is an appropriate technological solution to an everyday sustainability challenge.
