Development of a small-scale electromechanical mobile fish feeder

Abstract EN

The aim of the present study was to develop and test a simple small-scale electromechanical mobile fish feeder to control feeding in indoor or outdoor fish ponds.

Fish feeder spreader consists of a solid frame, fish feed hopper, distributing disc with spreading fins, transmission system and electrical components.

The electrical components include the rotational speed motor, distribution switch box, battery, dosage bar release motor, and transmission system dc brushed motors.

Analysis and evaluation of distribution pattern of fish feed done under two different spreading disk rotational speeds of 1000 and 1250 rpm (17.3 and 21.6 ms-1), two feed outlet control slide settings for fish feed rate and three different fish feed types.

The developed prototype can achieve 4.9 and 5.8 kg/min distribution rate of fish feed type 1 (sizes from 1 to 2 mm and average bulk density of 530 kg m-3) under two distribution disc rotational speed of 1000 rpm and 1250 rpm respectively.

Variation on distribution of feed material type 1 in both sides of the developed prototype was 8.4 and 14.7 % for disk rotational speed 1000 rpm and 1250 rpm respectively with at most good distribution pattern.

Feed distribution uniformity for feed type 2 (sizes from 2 to 3 mm and average bulk density of 720 kg m-3) was much better compare to the distribution pattern of feed type.

Where, there was variation on distribution of feed material type 2 in both sides of the developed prototype by 3.5 and 3.11 % for disk rotational speed 1000 rpm and 1250 rpm respectively under outlet slide settings 2.

Even with outlet slide settings 2 (only half of the outlet opening), distribution of feed material type 2 in both sides of the developed prototype was better and recorded 2.21 and 2.61 % for disk rotational speed 1000 rpm and 1250 rpm respectively.

Using fish feed material with size bigger than 3 mm will lead to uneven distribution using current developed prototype.