Design and Implementation of a Semi-Automated Cow Dung Log Making Machine for Sustainable Rural Energy

The increasing demand for sustainable andrenewable energy solutions has led to the exploration ofbiomass resources such as cow dung for fuel generation.However, traditional methods of preparing cow dungcakes are inefficient, unhygienic, and produceinconsistent fuel quality. This study addresses the gapby developing a semi-automated system for efficientcow dung log production. The primary objective of thisresearch is to design and implement a compact andenergy-efficient cow dung log making machine thatreduces manual effort while improving fuel quality. Thesystem integrates mechanical dewatering, extrusion,cutting, and controlled thermal drying using aninduction motor-driven mechanism. A systematicmethodology involving material preparation,mechanical processing, and temperature-controlleddrying was adopted. The system performance wasevaluated based on moisture reduction, production rate,and energy consumption. The results demonstrate asignificant reduction in moisture content fromapproximately 75% to 12%, with a production capacityof around 90–100 logs per hour and energyconsumption of about 1.8 kWh. The logs produced areuniform in shape and exhibit improved combustionefficiency. The proposed system offers a cost-effective,reliable, and sustainable solution for rural energyapplications. It enhances biomass utilization, reducesenvironmental impact, and supports rural developmentby minimizing manual labour and improving hygienestandards.