Aftrak – Africa’s Agri Enabler

The Agri-Tech developer initiative Aftrak, provides an innovative approach to farming that combines the implementation of solar micro-grids with the deployment of Aftrak, an electric powered mini-tractor specifically designed for the African market.

The initiative is a partnership between The Wolfson School of Mechanical Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, Tiyeni UK (TU) who are a UK-based NGO who have funded the development of deep bed farming and the London based Consortium for Battery Innovation

Micro Electric Tractor

Aftrak tractors have 210Ah (~10kWh) AGM battery storage providing days of domestic use and is built with a 5kW motor.

Easy to assemble, no specialists or special tools required.

Main tooling utilises a Hardpan Breaker

 – Allows deep soil processing (up to 400mm)

 – Carbide tipped from factory

 – Replaceable with steel blades

Large wheel motors to move through earth with no driver forces and is fully compatible and designed for Deep Bed Farming that creates ready to go planting soil

Aftrak Tractor Key Features:

– Flexible ETFE 200W Solar Panel operating at 23.4V using a boost MPPT to charge a 48V battery system

– Battery and inverter system with 200Ah capacity at 48V giving a total capacity of 9.6kWh. Operates as a mobile energy vector with mains ac and USB outputs

– 12″ pneumatic lug wheels fer increased traction. 2.4kW drive motors with a top speed of 6mph

– 5kW tool motor driving a chain system with carbide teeth and an earth redistribution auger at 1000rpm

The Tractor enables small scale farmers to prepare earth for planting with soil loosened up to 400mm depth that is a requirement for deep bed farming (DBF). Studies have shown DBF to increase smallholder revenue by up to 12 times. The additional revenue gained via better crop densities and volumes, can then be used to pay for energy supply from the solar array, thereby creating a self-sustaining model for decentralised energy access. For areas in rural Africa without energy supply or this becomes more than just a way of charging the equipment.

The system also is in essence an Energy Vector with a built-in on-board 1500VA inverter power module it can be utilised for lighting, refrigeration, electric cooking, pumps, milling machines and has a USB charging unit for charging mobile devices.

The Aftrak also incorporates an on-board WiFi for remote connectivity and education

Modular Solar Array

The solar system uses a 15kW solar array and battery system made up of Solar Modules with 1.3kW Solar Panels that generate at least 7 kWh/day

Features:

– Individual module optimization

– Shading and Damage Tolerant

– 5kWh AGM battery Storage

– 1kW on-board inverter

​Aftrak is also the recipient of $1 million purse, awarded to them by the Milken-Motsepe Prize in Green Energy that incentivizes entrepreneurs who develop solutions to advance progress toward UN Sustainable Development Goal and were runners up at the Leicestershire Innovation in Sustainability award.