DESIGN, FABRICATION AND PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF A SMALL-SCALE ELECTRIC RICE HULLING MACHINE
Abstract
This study presents the design, fabrication, and performance evaluation of a small-scale electric rice hulling machine aimed at improving rice processing efficiency among rural farmers. The motivation for the study stemmed from the limitations of conventional hulling methods, which often lead to high grain losses, energy inefficiency, and increased operational costs. A prototype was modeled using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and driven by an electric motor through a belt-pulley transmission system. The developed machine was evaluated for hulling efficiency, grain breakage, and energy consumption. Results revealed a hulling efficiency of 90.3%, grain breakage of 8.6%, and energy use of 1.23 kWh, indicating superior performance compared to a standard commercial mini rice mill. The system proved affordable, user-friendly, and technically feasible for small-scale operations. The study concludes that the new hulling machine offers a sustainable, energy-efficient, and high-performance solution for rice processing, particularly in developing regions. It contributes to technological advancement in agricultural engineering and supports rural economic development through improved post-harvest management.
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