Rancang Bangun PLTS Sebagai Sumber Penggerak Prototype Kereta Listrik pada Sistem Pengangkutan Kelapa Sawit

Abstract

Indonesia, as one of the world’s largest palm oil producers, requires an efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system for fresh fruit bunches (FFB). In many plantations, the transportation process is still carried out manually or using fossil-fuel-based vehicles, which increases operational costs and contributes to carbon emissions. This study aims to design and develop a solar power plant (PLTS)-based electric rail cart prototype for transporting palm oil fresh fruit bunches. The research method consisted of field surveys, system planning and design, prototype fabrication and assembly, and performance testing. The drive system utilizes a 48 V, 500 W DC motor connected through a chain, sprocket, and pulley–V belt transmission with a 1:9 gear ratio. Electrical energy is supplied by a 460 Wp solar photovoltaic system and stored in a 48 V, 120 Ah battery. Performance testing was conducted for five days to evaluate photovoltaic efficiency, DC motor efficiency, and overall system efficiency under different load conditions. The results showed that the maximum photovoltaic efficiency reached 16.23%, while the DC motor efficiency achieved 81.10% at a load of 400 kg. The maximum overall system efficiency was recorded at 68.24% at a load of 150 kg. Under a 400 kg load condition, the system was able to operate for approximately 3 hours until the battery capacity reached the minimum discharge limit of 20%. These results indicate that the implementation of a solar-powered electric rail cart has strong potential as an efficient and environmentally friendly transportation solution for palm oil plantations while supporting the utilization of renewable energy in the agricultural sector.