SOLAR SCARECROW

Project Report
Bachelor of Technology in Agricultural Engineering

2023 - 2024

SV College of Agricultural Engineering and Technology & Research Station

Faculty of Agricultural Engineering
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh)

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 SOLAR SCARECROW
Project Report
Submitted to :- Dr. Anurag Singh Tomar
SV College of Agricultural Engineering & Technology and Research Station
Faculty of Agricultural Engineering
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur (Chhattisgarh)
By

2023 - 2024
NAME :- Nivedita Dutta Banik (20202340)
NAME :- Palash Gandhi (20202343)
NAME :- Priya Chandrawanshi (20202345)
NAME :- Sajal Agnihotri (20202354)
NAME :- Suruchi Dewangan (20202359)
NAME :- Vishikha Verma (20202364)
NAME :- Yachna Sahu (20202365)

IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE

DEGREE OF BACHELOR OF TECHNOLOGY IN AGRICULTURAL
ENGINEERING

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 CERTIFICATE – I

This is to certify that the project report entitled “SOLAR SCARECROW” submitted in
partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Technology (Agricultural
Engineering) of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur, is a record of the
bonafide research work carried out by Nivedita Dutta Banik, Palash Gandhi, Priya
Chandrawanshi, Sajal Agnihotri, Suruchi Dewangan, Vishikha Verma & Yachna Sahu, under
my guidance and supervision.
No part of the report has been submitted for any other degree or diploma or has been
published/published part has been fully acknowledged. All the assistance and help received
during the course of the investigations have been duly acknowledged by them.

Date: Project Advisor

---------------------------
(Dr. Anurag Singh Tomar)

3
 CERTIFICATE – II

This is to certify that the project report entitled “SOLAR SCARECROW” submitted by
Nivedita Dutta Banik, Palash Gandhi, Priya Chandrawanshi, Sajal Agnihotri, Suruchi
Dewangan, Visikha Verma & Yachna Sahu to the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya,
Raipur, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Bachelor of Technology
(Agricultural Engineering) has been approved by the External examiner.

Date:
Signatures

External Examiner ----------------------------

Major Advisor ----------------------------

(Dr. Anurag Singh Tomar)

Dean SVCAET & RS, FAE ---------------------------

(Dr. Vinay Kumar Pandey)

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 TABLE OF CONTENT

CHAPTER TITLE PAGE

Acknowledgment I
List of tables II
List of figures III
List of abbreviations IV
Abstract V
Introduction

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 ACKNOWLEGEMENT

We feel great pleasure in expressing our sincere and deep sense of gratitude to Dr. Anurag
Singh Tomar, Asst. Prof. (Academic In-charge, UG) S.V. College of Agricultural Engineering
and Technology & Research Station, I.G.K.V., Raipur, for valuable guidance, inspiration,
constructive criticism, and encouragement provided during the entire project work.
We are thankful to Dr. Vinay Kumar Pandey, Dean, S.V. College of Agricultural Engineering
and Technology & Research Station, IGKV, Raipur for providing necessary facilities during
project completion.
We would like to express our sincere thanks to all the HODs of concerning departments,
FMPE, SWE & APFE for allowing and providing support and help at various stages of the
study.
We are extremely thankful to all the Professors & faculty members of the Faculty of
Agricultural Engineering, along with the field and workshop helpers for their constant help
during our study.
Lastly, we would like express our gratitude to our beloved Family members & friends who
directly or indirectly related to us for their constant encouragement, expectations and
blessings which have always been the most vital source of inspiration and motivation in our
life.

Nivedita Dutta Banik

Palash Gandhi
Priya Chandrawanshi
Sajal Agnihotri
Suruchi Dewangan
Vishikha Verma
Yachna Sahu

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 LIST OF TABLES

TABLES PARTICULARS PAGES

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURES PARTICULARS PAGES

LIST OF NOTATION / SYMBOLS

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 ABSTRACT

The increasing need for sustainable agriculture practices in Zimbabwe has led to the
development of a solar-powered automated scarecrow for wheat farms. The device is
designed to address the issue of crop damage caused by birds and other animals, which can
significantly reduce crop yields and result in financial losses for farmers (Bishop 2003). The
solar-powered automated scarecrow covers 0.75 hectares of a field and incorporates advanced
features to effectively deter unwanted visitors. The scarecrow is equipped with one spur gear.
These gears play a crucial role in activating the scarecrow's arms, which are turned by a DC
motor connected to one gear (Dolbeer & Caputo 2019). When triggered by the switch, the
scarecrow's arms move in a realistic manner, simulating the presence of predatory birds and
creating a deterrent effect (Gillies & St. Clair 2010). In addition to the motion-activated arms,
the scarecrow is equipped with sound emitters that emit a combination of horror sounds and
ultrasonic frequencies (Hedayati, 2021). These sounds effectively scare away birds and other
animals, further enhancing the device's effectiveness. Furthermore, three lights facing the air
are incorporated into the scarecrow to provide additional deterrence to birds (Mohan 2016).
The solar-powered automated scarecrow is designed to be weather-resistant and durable,
ensuring its ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions . By utilizing solar energy as its
power source, the scarecrow eliminates the need for external power sources, making it a cost-
effective and environmentally friendly solution for farmers (Venter 2016). This reduces the
reliance on non renewable energy sources and promotes sustainable agricultural practices.
Specifically designed for wheat farms, which are particularly susceptible to bird damage, the
solar automated scarecrow has the potential to significantly improve yields and reduce the
financial losses incurred by farmers (Rands 2016). With its innovative design, use of
renewable energy, and ability to withstand harsh outdoor conditions, this device has the
potential to revolutionize the way farmers protect their crops and promote sustainable
agriculture practices in Zimbabwe.

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 CHAPTER - 01
INTRODUCTION

Birds, known to assume a significant part in fertilization, putting a mind bothersome bugs and
rodents, could likewise be causing uncommon diminishing in crop yields by obliterating
them, as per a report, which calls it as an arising worry in agriculture.
The avian species cause losses in agriculture by harming crops during planting, seedling and
maturing stages, prompting economic losses to the farming local area, shows the
interministerial report of the Committee on Doubling Farmer's Income (DFI).
"Birds are known to make extensive economic harm assortment of crops during weak stages
in various agro-natural locales of the country. The degree of bird harm to any crop relies
upon a few elements like convergence of neighberhood bird populace, all out region under
the crop, cropping design territory of the area, season and physiological status of the birds,"
expressed the report.
Scarecrows have rarely proven to be effective in keeping the birds away from fields as birds
are smart enough to notice it is not an actual human as it doesn’t move. To solve this problem
we hereby design a solar powered moving scarecrow that auto detects bird sound and
operates its arms using a motor along with shouting to scare away birds and animals for good.
The system provides the following advantages:
 Sound Detector to detect birds or Animal presence
 Human like hand motion to scare birds and animals
 Scaring Sound using speaker
 Solar powered system, no external supply needed
The system makes use of a CONTROLLER, a DC motor, Battery, Solar Panels, Gears and
Linkage Joints, a mic for sound sensing along with the pole and model frame to develop the
system.
The scarecrow is mounted using its metal pole in a field. It can be mounted anywhere in the
open as it doesn’t require any external power supply. The solar panels constantly charge the
battery of the system during day time.
The mic in the system constantly monitors sound level in environment. As soon as a spike in
sound levels is detected in the environment this signal is monitored by the controller and it
triggers an action. The DC motor is powered which rotates and so does the entire arm
mechanism.
The rotation of motor shaft rotates the gear connected to it which sets in motion the Linked
arm mechanism. The mechanism allows for moving the arms in a human like motion
vertically to imitate a human presence. Also the controller operates a speaker module to make
some noise so hat birds and animals in near the field too are scared.
Thus the system puts forth a modern solar powered scarecrow to protect farms from birds and
animals.

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 CHAPTER - 02
REVIEW OF LITERATURE

1.The effect of an audible bird scarer in the presence of reed cocks (parphyroporphyro) in rice
fields by Turhan Koyucu and Fuat Lule (2008) - All over the world, birds cause extensive
losses to agricultural crops. In order to protect these crops and to send away the birds, some
different materials and methods such as chemicals, treatments, colored lights, flash and
audible scarers are used. It is possible to see many studies about chemical methods in the
literatures, but there is not enough research on audible bird scarers. Therefore, an audible
solar powered bird scarer was designed, manufactured and tested on the behaviour of reed
cocks (Parphyroporphyro) which are pests and roosted near the rice fields (paddy) where they
eat newly seeded rice, in this experimental investigation. The scarer was tested about two
weeks during November, 2007. An alarm call of reed cocks was selected for the test of the
scarer. Alarm calls of reed cocks played through loudspeaker were seen effective in that they
temporarily scared reed cocks. However, reed cocks no longer responded to these alarm calls
after the period of 7 days. It is concluded that the present arrangement of scarer was seen
inefficient.
2. Suryawanshi (2013) design and tested of a solar powered audible bird scarer and studied
various sound ranges used in it. The bird scarer consists of photovoltaic (PV) panel,
dry-cell battery, converter, MP3 player, amplifier and a loudspeaker. It is said that the
sound are coming from choosing the ideal predator’s call, loudspeaker play, and scarer
camouflage. In addition, it was seen that during tests that birds try to see the speaker
when it play to be sure that it is real predator or any other artificial material before moving
away. Out of the 22 sounds, the sound from Falcon (Buteolagopus) was seen most
effective. Camouflage of bird scarer, sound quality and volume was seen important on
crows. The performance of the scarer depends on the climatic characteristics of the day (dull
or sunny).
3. The effect of an audible bird scarer in the presence of reed cocks (parphyroporphyro) in
rice fields by TurhanKoyucu and FuatLule (2008) - All over the world, birds cause extensive
losses to agricultural crops. In order to protect these crops and to send away the birds, some
different materials and methods such as chemicals, treatments, colored lights, flash and
audible scarers are used. It is possible to see many studies about chemical methods in the
literatures, but there is not enough research on audible bird scarers. Therefore, an audible
solar powered bird scarer was designed, manufactured and tested on the behaviour of reed
cocks (Parphyroporphyro) which are pests and roosted near the rice fields (paddy) where they
eat newly seeded rice, in this experimental investigation. The scarer was tested about two
weeks during November, 2007. An alarm call of reed cocks was selected for the test of the
scarer. Alarm calls of reed cocks played through loudspeaker were seen effective in that they
temporarily scared reed cocks. However, reed cocks no longer responded to these alarm calls
after the period of 7 days. It is concluded that the present arrangement of scarer was seen
inefficient.

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4. Design, Manufacture and Test of a Solar Powered Audible Bird Scarer by Koyuncu, T
[2009]-This paper present the brief idea of solar powered bird scarer. This paper is published
in Turkey and gives total idea and also provides four main observations. Total 18 sounds are
used in this experiment as it is connected to mp3 player.

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 CHAPTER - 03
WORKING PRINCIPLE
&
INTRODUCTION TO MATERIAL

1. The system makes use of a CONTROLLER, a DC motor, Battery, Solar Panels, Gears and
Linkage, Joints, a mic for sound sensing along with the pole and model frame to develop the
system.
2. The scarecrow is mounted using its metal pole in a field. It can be mounted anywhere in
the open as it doesn’t require any external power supply. The solar panels constantly charge
the battery of the system during day time.
3. The mic in the system constantly monitors sound level in environment. As soon as a spike
in sound levels is detected in the environment this signal is monitored by the controller and it
triggers an action. The DC motor is powered which rotates and so does the entire arm
mechanism.
4. The rotation of motor shaft rotates the gear connected to it which sets in motion the Linked
arm mechanism. The mechanism allows for moving the arms in a human like motion
vertically to imitate a human presence. Also the controller operates a speaker module to make
some noise so hat birds and animals in near the field too are scared.
5. In mechanism working, Flapping mechanism is used to move the Scarecrow arm in upward
and downward direction. A crank rotates and is connected to the connecting rod with movable
joint and this connecting rod is further connected to the two arms by the movable joint, which
moves in upward and downward direction. A T-shape joint is used to provide support to the
mechanism. In Circuit working.

COMPONENTS
 DC motor
 Solar Panels
 Gears
 Linkages and Arms
 Pole and Mounts
 Regulator Circuitry
 Switches
 LED’s
 PCB Board
 Cables and Connectors
 Base Frame
 Supporting Frame

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BLOCK DIAGRAM

FRONT VIEW

Fig. 1.1

SIDE VIEW

Fig. 1.2

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 3D VIEW

Fig. 1.3

1. ACP: - ACP sheet or Aluminum Composite panel is a new-age cladding material that’s used
for building front elevation (facades), interiors, signage, modular kitchen and many more.
We have used 10 sheets in our model, 5 sheets in each arm.
ADVANTAGES: -.
1)Cost-effective: - They are very economical and cheap as compared to other alternatives
such as steel plates, insulated coverings, etc.
2)Long Lasting Life: - An average ACP panel lasts for more than 10 years after the purchase,
which means that they are a long-term investment for the buyers.
3) Fire Redundant: - These cheap alternatives to an insulated covering are fire-Redundant and
fully fire-proof, which allows the customers to take care of their safety.
4)Available in Wide Variety of Textures: - The sellers make these sheets in a large variety of
textures and colors for the benefit of the potential buyers in the markets.
5) Easy to Install: -These sheets are easily installed via fitting and shaping.

2. IRON STAND: - Iron stand is used for fixing and supports various instruments, iron ring
can replace funnel stand to use. The iron stand will usually be paired with an iron ring. This
iron ring is the part of the equipment that attaches to the subject and keeps it sturdy on the
iron stand. We have used one iron stand to support the instruments. The length of iron stand
used in this machine is 43 inch.

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Safety: - Using an iron stand can also help keep you safe. It does have a use for holding
things but if a subject in your experiment is likely to have a violent reaction, or an unknown
reaction, it is best to use the iron stand and ring to hold it in place. This will prevent you from
harming yourself by holding it in your hand and getting heat or cold burn or a nasty chemical
reaction on your skin.

3. NUT BOLT
NUT: - A nut is a mechanical fastener with a threaded hole. It is attached to a bolt, screw, or
stud to provide a clamping force and prevent axial movement. This model required 14 bolts
and nuts.
The most common type of nut is the hex nut. This has a hexagonal outer shape for the faces
of tools to apply torque when fastening. Provide a secure fastening, this type of nut typically
relies on torque applied to generate an axial force. This axial force causes sufficient friction at
the threads to prevent the nut from unscrewing. The force may act between the bolt head and
the nut, causing compression of the parts being fastened. Alternatively, it may act between a
pair of adjacent nuts, allowing parts to be fastened more loosely.
BOLT: - A bolt is an externally helical threaded fastener capable of being tightened or
released by a twisting force (torque) to a matching nut.

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Manufacturing & Material

 Carbon steel and alloy steel material used for nut & bolt manufacturing.

 Nut mfg. by blanking and threading. bolt by forging and threading.

There are various advantages of nuts and bolts:-
1) nuts and bolts facilitate faster installation of automobile parts.
2) not too many skills required for making bolted connection
3) bolt and nuts are economical in terms of installation also
4) replacement of old bolts are easier than rivets.
5) fastening of loosened connection easy in case of nut and bolt.

4. GEAR: -A gear is a rotating circular machine part having cut teeth or, in the case of a
cogwheel or gearwheel, inserted teeth (called cogs), which mesh with another (compatible)
toothed part to transmit rotational power. We have used 3 spur gears with 38-38-15 teeth.

 Spur gears are the most common type of gears. They have straight teeth and are
mounted on parallel shafts. Sometimes, many spur gears are used at once to create
exceptionally large gear reductions. spur gear is a cylindrical shaped toothed
component used in industrial equipment to transfer mechanical motion as well as
control speed, power, and torque.
5. COPPER WIRE: - Copper is a soft metal that conducts electricity very well, which makes
it ideal for use in electrical projects. It is used in power generation, power transmission,
power distribution, telecommunications, electronics circuitry, and countless types of electrical
equipment. Copper wire is the preferred conductor for many electrical applications because
of the high conductivity of copper, which contributes to its optimal performance. In our
model we have used two rolls of copper wire. The diameter of wire rolls is 1.5mm. The
length of these wire rolls are 1 meter approximately.

6. DC MOTOR: - This DC Motor – 30RPM – 12Volts is being used to fulfil the

requirements of running this machine. These motors have a 3 mm threaded drill hole in the
middle of the shaft thus making it simple to connect it to the wheels or any other mechanical
assembly.
PRINCIPAL: - When a current-carrying conductor is placed in a magnetic field, it
experiences a torque and tends to move. In other words, when a magnetic field and an
electric field interact, a mechanical force is generated. The DC motor or direct current
motor works on that principle. This is known as motoring action.
ADVANTAGES OF DC MOTOR
 DC motors have simpler installation and maintenance.

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  DC motors are typically more efficient and make better use of their input
energy.
 They have high startup power.
 They have high starting torque; it is as high as 500% compared to normal
operating torque.
 They have fast response times to starting, stopping, and acceleration.
 They are available in several standard voltages.
 offers a wide range of speed control both above and below the rated speeds.
WORKING
The basic working principle of a DC motor is that whenever a current-carrying conductor is
placed in a magnetic field, it experiences a force. This force is known as the Lorentz force,
and it is responsible for the rotation of the motor's armature.
The armature is a rotating part of the motor that is made up of coils of wire. When current
flows through these coils, they create a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field of
the permanent magnets or electromagnets that are also part of the motor. This interaction
creates a force that causes the armature to rotate. The rotation of the armature is transferred to
the output shaft of the motor, which can then be used to do work, such as driving a pump, fan,
or other machine.

7.SOLAR PANEL: - A solar panel is a device that converts sunlight into electricity by using
photovoltaic (PV) cells. PV cells are made of materials that produce excited electrons when
exposed to light.
Solar technologies convert sunlight into electrical energy either through photovoltaic (PV)
panels or through mirrors that concentrate solar radiation. This energy can be used to generate
electricity or be stored in batteries or thermal storage. We have used Solar Panel of 10
volt(approx.).

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8. Battery: - A battery of 12 volt and 8 ampere is used in this machine. Battery is used to
provide power to the machine. It basically stores chemical energy and converts it to electrical
energy.
Advantages:

Primary cells have higher energy density than rechargeable secondary cells. High specific
energy, long storage times (low self-discharge), and instant readiness give primary
batteries a unique advantage over other power sources. They are usually the best choice for
low-drain applications. They can be carried to remote locations and used instantly, even after
long storage; they are also readily available and environmentally friendly when disposed.

Disadvantages:

The main disadvantage of primary batteries is that they are non-rechargeable. Another
disadvantage is their low C-rate. Even high current types are considered low in comparison to
rechargeable batteries. They are also less environment friendly than rechargeable batteries.
The application of primary batteries leads to a large amount of waste batteries to be recycled.
For large batteries, primary batteries are usually not cost-effective.

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9. Switch: - The design and application of switches can vary widely based on the specific
purpose of the circuit. There are various types of switches, including toggle switches, push-
button switches, rotary switches, and electronic switches, each designed for specific
applications and functions.

In an electrical circuit, a switch is a device that opens or closes the circuit, allowing or
interrupting the flow of electrical current. Switches serve several functions in a circuit:

Mode Selection: Switches are used in electronic devices to select different operating modes
or functions.

Signal Modulation: In electronic circuits, switches can be used to modulate signals. For
example, in pulse-width modulation (PWM), a switch rapidly turns a device on and off to
control the average power delivered and simulate varying levels of voltage.

Routing: Switches can be used to route electrical signals or currents to different components
or paths within a circuit

Safety: Switches are essential for safety in electrical systems. They allow users to disconnect
devices or appliances from the power source, reducing the risk of electrical shock or fire.

Automation: Switches can be part of automated systems, turning devices on or off based on
certain conditions.

Control: Switches are used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. When the switch is
closed (in the "ON" position), it completes the circuit, allowing current to flow and devices to
operate. When the switch is open (in the "OFF" position), the circuit is broken, and current
cannot flow, turning off the connected devices.

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 CHAPTER - 04
RESULT & DISCUSSIONS

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 CHAPTER – 05
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION & FUTURE SCOPE

SUMMARY

CONCLUSION
The smart solar scarecrow represents a significant step forward in eco-friendly and effective
crop protection. By utilizing advanced sensors, technology, and solar power, it provides a
humane and sustainable alternative to traditional scarecrows. Its precise and efficient
movement and sound mechanisms have proven effective in deterring animals and reducing
crop damage. Although further research and development are needed, the smart solar
scarecrow has shown great potential in promoting sustainable agriculture and improving
yields. As a result, it is likely to become an increasingly popular tool for farmers seeking to
protect their crops in an environmentally responsible and effective manner.

FUTURE SCOPE
1. Advanced AI Integration: Future solar scarecrows could utilize advanced artificial
intelligence algorithms to detect and deter pests more effectively. This could involve real-
time analysis of pest behavior patterns and tailored responses.
2. Drone Surveillance: Integration with drone technology could enable solar scarecrows to
monitor larger areas and provide targeted deterrence to pests. Drones equipped with sensors
could identify pest hotspots and deploy scare tactics as needed.
3. Data Analytics for Optimization: Solar scarecrows could leverage data analytics to
optimize their placement and effectiveness. By analyzing environmental factors, crop
conditions, and pest populations, they could adjust their tactics to provide maximum
protection to crops.
4. Energy Efficiency Improvements: Continued advancements in solar technology could lead
to more energy-efficient solar panels for powering scarecrow devices. This could increase
their autonomy and reduce maintenance requirements.
5. Remote Monitoring and Control: Future solar scarecrows could be equipped with remote
monitoring and control capabilities, allowing farmers to adjust settings and receive alerts on
pest activity from anywhere using mobile or web-based applications.
6. Integration with Smart Farming Systems: Solar scarecrows could become integral
components of smart farming systems, working in tandem with other automated devices and
sensors to optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impact.

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7. Modular Design for Scalability: Scalability could be improved through modular design,
allowing farmers to easily expand or customize their solar scarecrow systems based on the
size and layout of their farms.

Overall, the future of solar scarecrows holds promise for more efficient and effective pest
management in agriculture, contributing to sustainable farming practices and higher crop
yields.

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