Application of miniature DC motors in smart agriculture

Application of miniature DC motors in smart agriculture

Miniature DC motors have a wide range of applications in smart agriculture, and their small size, high precision, and low energy consumption are highly compatible with the needs of agricultural automation.

1. Intelligent irrigation and water and fertilizer management

• Valve control: DC micro motors directly drive irrigation valves, replacing traditional solenoid valves and avoiding water pressure dependence and clogging problems. A programmable sprinkler system uses a micro motor to rotate the valve disc, achieving pressure-free opening and closing, and automatically stopping irrigation with a rainfall sensor, achieving a water saving rate of 30%. Sensorless control technology (such as adaptive sliding mode observers) further reduces costs and achieves ±0.5% accuracy adjustment of valve opening.

• Water and fertilizer mixing and delivery: A micro motor drives a small stirring paddle and a peristaltic pump to achieve precise mixing in the integrated water and fertilizer machine.

2. Precise control of greenhouse environment

• Ventilation and Shading System: Miniature DC motors drive greenhouse ventilation windows and shading curtains, which are opened and closed precisely with real-time feedback from temperature and humidity sensors. 

• Environmental monitoring equipment: The sensor pan-tilt unit of the portable weather station uses a miniature DC motor, which can rotate 360° to collect data such as light intensity and wind speed.

3. Agricultural robots and mobile devices

• Autonomous navigation and operation: Equipped with a planetary gearbox, it enables field navigation with a maximum climbing ability of 30° and can carry sensors to monitor soil and crop health. It achieves mechanical weeding by visually identifying crop rows, reducing the use of chemical pesticides.

• Drone-based plant protection: Miniature DC motors drive the drone’s spray pump and seeding mechanism.

4. Automation of livestock farming

• Precision feeding and environmental control: A micro motor drives the feed mixer and the feeding conveyor belt to achieve timed and quantitative feeding.

• Ventilation and temperature control: The poultry house ventilation system uses a micro motor to drive the fan, which is combined with an ammonia sensor to automatically adjust the wind speed and reduce the incidence of poultry diseases.

With their high efficiency, precision, and flexibility, micro DC motors have become a core power unit for smart agriculture. From greenhouse environmental control to agricultural robots, from intelligent irrigation to livestock farming, their applications are driving the digital and sustainable transformation of agricultural production. With advancements in materials science and control technology, micro motors will continue to make breakthroughs in reducing energy consumption and improving reliability, providing stronger support for agricultural modernization.