THE PECULIARITIES OF SEEDS AND THE QUALITY OF THE GREEN MASS OF SOME NON-TRADITIONAL CROPS IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA | Author : Valerian CEREMPEI, Victor ?Î?EI, Nicolae-Valentin VLADUT, Oana-Diana CRISTEA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The article presents the results of the studies on the particularities of the seeds and the quality indices of the green mass, obtained from the non-traditional crops Amaranthus hypochondriacus, Raphanus sativus var. olifera, Sinapsis alba, Linum usitatissimum, Sesamum indicum and the hybrid Rumex tianschanicus × Rumex patientia. The results reflect the values of dimensional parameters, friability, seed structure and quality indices of the harvested green mass (nutritive value, biochemical potential to obtain biomethane). It has been demonstrated that the criterion of dimensional proportionality Kdp, proposed in this paper effectively reflects the structure of the seeds. The harvested green mass from non-traditional crops has the optimal content of protein and carbohydrates for animal feed and biomethane production. |
| DETECTION OF EATING BEHAVIOUR IN PIGS BASED ON MODIFIED YOLOX | Author : Yanwen LI, Juxia LI, Lei DUAN, Tengxiao NA, Pengpeng ZHANG, Qingyu ZHI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Due to the complex environment of pig farms and the diversity of pig behaviors, the existing methods based on deep learning cannot meet the requirements of high accuracy and real-time detection of pig eating behavior. In this paper, a SE-YOLOX model for detecting pig diet and drinking behaviors was designed. In this model, a Squeeze-and-Excitation (SE) attention module is introduced between the neck layer and the prediction layer of YOLOX, and the input feature map is compressed into a vector through global average pooling operation, and then mapped to a smaller vector through a fully connected layer. A sigmoid function is also used to compress each element in this vector to between 0 and 1 and multiply it with the original input feature map to get the weighted feature map. Through SE attention mechanism, the model can learn the importance of each channel adaptively, thus improving the detection accuracy. The experimental results show that the mean Average Prediction (mAP) of the SE-YOLOX model is 88.03%, which is higher than 13.11% of the original YOLOX model. SE-YOLOX can ensure real-time performance, it also can effectively improve the accuracy of pig diet and drinking water behavior detection. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF COMBINED CAVITY-TYPE PRECISION HOLE-DROP SEED-METERING DEVICE FOR RICE | Author : Wenwen SONG, Yu WAN, Bo ZHOU, Fuming KUANG, Wei XIONG, Juan LIAO, Dequan ZHU, Shun ZHANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to solve the problems of unstable seeding quantity and poor applicability of traditional lightweight simplification mechanical seed-metering device, a combined cavity-type rice precision hole-drop seed-metering was developed. According to the material characteristics of rice seed and the requirements of seeding quantity, the innovative metering hole structure achieves the purpose of accurate filling of rice seed. In order to adapt to the demands of different rice seeds and improve the accuracy and convenience of the adjustment of the seeding quantity, the number of cavities involved in seeding operation was simply adjusted. Bench tests are carried out on the effects of the seed-inlet width, the metering hole slope angle, and the cavity outer angle on the precision seeding performance of the seed-metering device. The test results show that when the outer and middle seed-inlets width both are 3.8 mm, the innermost seed-inlet width is 5.4 mm, and the metering hole slope angle is 35 °, and the cavity outer angle is 85 °, the performance of the three kinds of rice was better. Opening outermost seed-inlet to seeding super hybrid rice, the qualified rate is 90.67%, the miss-seeding rate is 3.77%. Opening outer and middle seed-inlets to seeding hybrid rice, the qualified rate is 90.80%, the miss-seeding rate is 3.73%. Opening all three seed-inlets to seeding conventional rice, the qualified rate is 90.67%, the miss-seeding rate is 3.53%. The field test shows the seed-metering device can also meet the requires of these kinds of rice seeding. |
| STUDY ON ARTIFICAL INTELLIGENCE RECOGNITION METHODS FOR MAIZE LEAF LESION IMAGE | Author : Linwei LI, Yanbo SONG, Jie SUN, Yuanyuan LU, Lili NIE, Fumin MA, Xinyu HOU, Juxia LI, Yanwen LI, Zhenyu LIU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Maize eyespot and maize curvularia leaf spot are two diseases that often occur on maize leaves. Because of the similarity of the shape and structure, it is difficult to identify the two diseases just relying on the observation of the growers. For the harmfulness and prevention methods are different, it would cause great loss if the disease can t be identified accurately. To address this issue, this paper first employs a connected region feature recognition method to design an automated lesion cropping process after acquiring leaf images with several lesions. Subsequently, a lesion recognition model based on the AlexNet architecture is built and subjected to five-fold cross-validation experiments. The results indicate that the model achieves a comprehensive recognition accuracy exceeding 99%. To further comprehend model characteristics, an analysis of the recognition accuracy and its fluctuations is conducted, revealing that the fractal growth and biological characteristics of the lesions may influence the recognition results. Moreover, the distribution of model parameters could be a potential reason for fluctuations in recognition accuracy rates with increasing number of iterations. This paper could offer valuable reference and support for the intelligent identification and diagnosis of maize and other plant diseases. |
| DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF INDEPENDENT STRUT TYPE AIR SUSPENSION APPLIED TO HIGH CLEARANCE SELF-PROPELLED SPRAYER | Author : Chenwei HU, Jiayu CAO, Shuo ZHANG, Yu CHEN, Liquan LU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :As an important plant protection machinery for spraying and fertilizing crops, high clearance self-propelled sprayer is of great significance to promote food security production and stable development of agriculture. Aiming at the complex operating conditions and unique operating requirements of large high clearance self-propelled sprayer, this paper analyzes and determines the main components of the sprayer suspension, such as elastic components, guiding devices, buffer devices, damping components, etc., and designs a stand-alone vertical shaft air suspension system structure suitable for high clearance sprayers. The stress of the sprayer chassis under different extreme conditions such as side slip, emergency braking and uneven road driving is analyzed, and the vertical shaft is designed and checked in detail. Based on the stress analysis results of the sprayer chassis, the finite element analysis software HyperMesh 10.0 was used to analyze the statics of the key components of the suspension, such as the vertical shaft, the motor protection shell, the steering arm, and the spring top support. According to the results of force analysis and finite element analysis, combined with the requirements of process production, the suspension structure in the design scheme is improved, and the final suspension form and the whole structure scheme of the sprayer are obtained. Through this study, it provides a basis for the design and development of large high clearance self-propelled sprayer. |
| STUDY OF THE PROCESS OF THRESHING LEGUMINOUS GRASS SEEDS WITH A DRUM-TYPE THRESHING DEVICE | Author : Mykhailo ANELIAK, Alvian KUZMYCH, Serhii STEPANENKO, Viktor LYSANIUK | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The article presents the results of studies of the process of threshing leguminous grass seeds with a drum-type threshing device. The process of material movement in the working gap of the drum deck was modelled and the intensity of the action of the working on the material under optimal operating conditions was substantiated. The dependence of the completeness of threshing alfalfa seeds on the number of rasp bar actions on the material on pendulum copra and in a threshing device was obtained based on the results of laboratory research. The influence of the design and technological parameters of the threshing device on the efficiency of threshing alfalfa seeds, as well as on the energy indicators of their operation, has been determined. The rational parameters of the threshing device are substantiated, which ensure complete threshing of seeds at the level of 96.5-98.2%, and damage to no more than 0.8% of seeds. |
| ANALYSIS ON ROOT CUTTING MECHANISM OF SELF-PROPELLED CHINESE CABBAGE HARVESTER AND OPTIMISATION OF DEVICE PARAMETERS | Author : Liming ZHOU, Yifan ZENG, Kang NIU, Yanwei YUAN, Shenghe BAI, Kaikang CHEN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :For Chinese cabbage cutting device in the harvesting process, the problem of cutting resistance and low cutting root qualification rate will occur. This paper takes the Chinese cabbage root as the research object, analyses the root-cutting mechanism of Chinese cabbage, and determines that the main factors affecting its cutting effect are the cutters inclination angle, rotational speed and its working speed. The finite element method is adopted to establish a rigid-flexible coupling model between the cutting device and the cabbage root, and the Response Surface Method (RSM) central composite design method is used to investigate the relationship among the cutter inclination angle, the cutter rotational speed as well as the working speed and Maximum root-cutting reaction force (MRF) of the cabbage and to further obtain the optimal combination of parameters. Field test results show that in the optimal combination of parameters, which means cutter inclination angle of 11o, cutter rotating speed of 216 r/min and working speed of 0.28 m/s, the root cutting effect is perfect. At this time, the root-cutting qualification rate of 92.81% and field productivity of 0.12 hm2/h, meet the requirements of the standard of Chinese cabbage harvesting mechanization. The results of the study can provide reference for optimization of Chinese cabbage harvesting equipment design. |
| DESIGN AND TESTING OF MODERN APPLE ORCHARD PRUNING MACHINERY | Author : Yuliang WANG, Zhiqiao WANG, Zhaoying CHEN, Guoqiang FAN, Rui SU, Peijun YIN, Jinxing WANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In response to the problems of low efficiency and difficulty of pruning operations in modern dwarf dense orchards, an adjustable position saw blade pruning machine was designed, mainly consisting of a pruning device, a regulating device and a hydraulic system. Through the mechanical and modal analysis of the circular saw blade, the limit speed of the circular saw blade was derived. A finite element model of the sawing process was established, and a single-factor simulation analysis was conducted for three important parameters: feed rate, circular saw blade speed and branch diameter, and a three-factor, three-level quadratic regression orthogonal test was designed to derive the best matching sawing parameters, which was verified in field tests. The test results showed that the average passing rate was 92.8% at the feed rate of 4 km/h under the circular saw blade speed of 2800 rpm, which was higher than 88.8% at 3 km/h and 88.9% at 5 km/h. The optimum sawing parameters were: the circular saw blade speed of 2800 rpm and feed rate of 4 km/h, which were consistent with the simulation results, and the passing rate of the cut was high at this time, meeting the technical requirements of orchard pruning. |
| DETECTION OF DEFECTS OF CERASUS HUMILIS FRUITS BASED ON HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGING AND CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS | Author : Bin WANG, Lili LI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to perform highly effective identification of external defects and increase the additional value of Cerasus Humilis fruits, this study used hyperspectral imaging technology to collect information on intact and defective Cerasus Humilis fruits. Based on the full transition spectrum, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and back propagation neural networks (BPNN) were used to establish a discriminative model. The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) was used to extract feature wavelengths, principal component analysis was used for data compression of single band images, BPNN and convolutional neural networks (CNN) were used for defect Cerasus Humilis fruits recognition of principal component images. The results showed that the overall detection accuracy of PLS-DA and BPNN models based on wavelength spectral information were 83.81% and 85.71%, respectively. BPNN was used to establish the calibration model based on the selected characteristic wavelengths by CARS, the accuracy rate was 90.47%. The classified accuracy of CNN model based on principal component images was 93.33%, which was obviously better than that of BPNN model at 83.81%. The research shows that the CNN model was successfully applied to the detection of Cerasus Humilis fruits defects using hyperspectral imaging. This study provides a theoretical basis for the development of fruit grading and sorting equipment. |
| NON-DESTRUCTIVE ESTIMATION OF MATURITY LEVEL OF ‘CRYSTAL’ GUAVA FRUIT BY MEANS OF FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY | Author : Setyo PERTIWI, Alexander Salvatoris Febrian HUTOMO, Slamet WIDODO | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This research aims to explore the potential use of fluorescence spectroscopy combined with chemometrics for predicting the maturity level of crystal guava fruits non-destructively. The physicochemical properties including total soluble solids (TSS), water content, firmness, and pH were obtained from laboratory tests and used as a reference in developing the predictive model. The fluorescence emission spectra under excitation of 365 nm UV LED were used as predictors. The fluorescence spectra were acquired and recorded using a miniaturized UV-Vis spectrophotometer with an effective 340 – 800 nm range. In total, 240 sets of data from crystal guava fruit samples with varying ages of 90-106 DAA (days after anthesis) were used for calibration and validation. A multivariate analysis using Partial Least Squared Regression (PLSR) was used to develop the predictive models. Several data preprocessing methods were applied to enhance the information contained in the spectral data to find the best predictive model. Analysis results showed that the developed model could accurately predict water content with rcal=0.94; SEC=0.08%, rval=0.84; SEP=0.08%; RPD=2.59, followed by TSS with rcal =0.91; SEC = 0.47%Brix, rval =0.79; SEP=0.48%Brix; RPD=2.13. Although with lower accuracy, it also could predict firmness with rcal =0.86; SEC=0.43 kgf, rval =0.74; SEP=0.43 kgf; RPD=1.82 and pH with rcal =0.81; SEC=0.10, rval =0.79; SEP=0.09; RPD=1.76. The results indicate that fluorescence spectroscopy could be used as an alternative method for non-destructive estimation of physicochemical properties as indicators of the maturity level of crystal guava fruits. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF POTATO SEEDLING FILM-BREAKING DEVICE BASED ON MACHINE VISION | Author : Zhaoqin LV, Zhuangzhuang GUO, Wanzhi ZHANG, Xiang ZENG, Yuelin HAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :An automatic potato seedling film-breaking device based on machine vision was designed to reduce the labor intensity of potato film-breaking. The device mainly consists of a motion mechanism, a seedling recognition mechanism, a film-breaking mechanism, etc. Based on single-ridge and single-row potato planting agronomy, the whole structure and key component dimensions of the film-breaking device are determined, the YOLOv5s model is improved to build a potato seedling recognition system, and the film-breaking mechanism based on the parallel CoreXY structure is designed. Potato seedlings at the emerging stage are used as research objects for field film-breaking tests. The results show that the recognition rate of potato seedlings is 89.7%, the qualified rate of film-breaking is 83.5%, and the damage rate is 2.3%. This paper can provide technical support for the development of intelligent film-breaking equipment for potato seedlings. |
| SUPERIOR INFERENTIAL STATISTICS OF THE EXPERIMENTAL DATA OF A COMPLEX EXPERIMENTAL CULTIVATOR | Author : Petru CARDEI, Nicolae CONSTANTIN, Catalin PERSU, Vergil MURARU, Raluca SFÎRU, Maria IAMANDEI, Daniel LATES | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The aim of the research is to highlight some statistical tools that favour extracting the components of the dynamic process that are dependent on the forward speed of some agricultural aggregates. The main objectives are: (I) identification of a minimum number of components in a multitude of random variables, with the help of which the other random variables can be calculated, and the application of this result to the strain gauge measurements; (II) establishing the connection between the synthetic results that partially solve the first objective and the forward speed of the agricultural aggregate. The second objective is used to obtain indications in search of the parameters’ dependencies on the forward speed of the aggregate. The first objective seeks to determine a group of three signals from the twelve, with the help of which the best multivariate linear interpolation is obtained for the other nine signals, which in physical terms means the reduction to a quarter of the measurement points and of the strain sensors used. A result associated with the first objective refers to the estimation of information loss due to the limited number of deformation sensors mounted on the tested structure. The article also presents attempts to use the results of the theory of neural networks and statistical interaction. In order to capitalise on the experimental data in this complex statistical framework, it is necessary to monitor at least the working speed (not only the average speed per experiment), fuel consumption, working depth (continuously monitored), soil moisture etc. |
| COMPARATIVE STUDY ON WATER USE CHARACTERISTICS AND PRODUCTIVITY OF SOYBEAN AND MAIZE INTERCROPPING SYSTEM UNDER DRY FARMING CONDITIONS | Author : Yaoyu LI, Tengteng QU, Qixin ZHAO, Yuzhi WANG, Zizheng DENG, Wuping ZHANG, Xiaoying ZHANG, Lili SUN, Fuzhong LI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Quantitative investigation of the utilization characteristics of precipitation resources and the production capacity of the intercropping production system under the soybean maize intercropping mode in northern China is of great significance for improving the resource utilization rate of dryland agriculture and regional sustainable development. This study adopted a completely randomized block design, and six planting modes were set up: soybean monoculture, maize monoculture, and four soybean maize intercropping modes. Plant height and grain yield data were observed, and precipitation resource utilization efficiency was calculated. Based on the FAO-56 recommended crop coefficients, the crop coefficients were corrected according to the actual growth of crops in the experimental area; combined with meteorological data, the crop water demand under different planting modes was estimated based on the Penman-Monteith principle. The results showed that crops daily growth water demand under different planting modes was generally deficient in water in the early and middle stages of growth, and surplus in the later stages. Compared with the monoculture mode, there were significant differences in precipitation resource utilization efficiency under different intercropping modes (P < 0.05), with soybeans reduced by 67.50% ~ 89.56%, and corn reduced by 43.99% ~ 61.05%. Based on the semi-humid and semi-arid area of the eastern Loess Plateau, an appropriate irrigation system needs to be designated for soybean and corn intercropping systems in the early and middle stages of crop growth. Under a certain proportion of water resource supply, different modes have different water resource utilization efficiency and final production capacity for the intercropping system. |
| RELIABILITY ANALYSIS OF FMECA THRESHING AND CLEANING SYSTEM BASED ON FUZZY COMPREHENSIVE EVALUATION | Author : Qian DONG, Guohai ZHANG, Yuqian ZHAO, Fukang ZHOU, Peng LIU, Yihu WANG, Xipeng QIAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the traditional FMECA (Failure Modes, Effect and Criticality Analysis) results of the threshing and cleaning system, which are strongly influenced by subjective factors, imprecise and easy to repeat, the fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method is introduced to quantify the results of the expert evaluation and reduce the subjective influence. Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is used to assign weights to each influencing factor, and by calculating the comprehensive hazard level index, the hazard ranking of each failure mode is carried out, from which the critical failure modes are identified as the focus of improvement, so as to improve the reliability of the system. Comparison shows that the improved method effectively makes up for the shortcomings of the traditional FMECA analysis method, and it is easier to find out the critical failure modes, which provides a theoretical basis for practical application. |
| DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD (EDEM) SIMULATION AND PARAMETER OPTIMIZATION: DESIGN AND TESTING OF A LOW-LOSS AND HIGH-EFFICIENCY CORN THRESHING DEVICE | Author : Yaxiu HOU, Shuqi SHANG, Xiang LI, Xiaoning HE, Haifeng ZHENG, Tongtong DONG, Xu LI, Zhixin LIU, Shuai YANG, Dongwei WANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the problems of low threshing efficiency and high damage rate of current threshing devices. In this study, the operational form of the threshing drum and the structure of the threshing element were innovated, and a new threshing drum with low damage and high efficiency was designed. Using EDEM software, flexible body modeling of corn kernels, cobs and whole ears was carried out. The dynamic analysis of the corn threshing process was completed and the simulation parameters were further optimized. The optimum operating parameters were analyzed by orthogonal rotational tests and response surface method with a speed of 800 r/min for the threshing drum, a clearance of 10 mm for the concave plate and 30 mm for the threshing drum. The radius of the round head of the threshing element was 5 mm. The height of the threshing element was 60 mm. The final threshing efficiency was 98.78% and the damage rate of threshing was 0.62%. The results show that the new threshing device can meet the requirements of low-loss threshing devices for corn combine harvesters and can provide a theoretical basis for the development of the theory and technical system of corn plot combine harvesters in the future. |
| DEPOSITION PERFORMANCE OF HYDRODYNAMIC ULTRASONIC ATOMISING NOZZLES WITH DIFFERENT SPRAY PARAMETERS | Author : Zengqiang SONG, Jinliang GONG, Yanfei ZHANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to study the spraying effect of hydrodynamic ultrasonic atomizing nozzle under different spraying methods, and to investigate the practical application effect of hydrodynamic ultrasonic atomizing nozzle in agriculture, the atomization angle test and droplet size test under different spraying conditions were designed. Different spraying conditions atomization angle test and droplet size test were designed, the test results data were recorded, the pattern of change of the data was observed, and the data were fit to give the data changes in line with the functional equation; different spraying conditions and different corn leaf position droplet deposition coverage test were designed and the value of the deposition coverage of each position was recorded. The results showed that: the maximum value of the variation of atomization angle under different spraying conditions was 75.49°, and the minimum value was 14.49°; the maximum value of the variation of droplet size was 18.23 µm, and the minimum value was 4.78 µm; and the droplet deposition coverage was the highest in the mid-leaf position of the upper and lower leaves of the maize when the input air pressure was 0.3 MPa, which was 86.98% and 46.97%, respectively. Fitting the atomization angle data and droplet size data, the R2 of the binomial fit was 0.85 and 0.94, respectively, and the Adjusted R2 was 0.87 and 0.88, respectively, which made the fitting function meaningful and the fitting accuracy high. The hydrodynamic ultrasonic atomizing nozzle has a great advantage in generating small droplet sizes and performs well in deposition effect, and the experimental results can provide a reference for the research of hydrodynamic nozzles in the application technology. |
| PRELIMINARY RESEARCH REGARDING THE CREATION OF A CATEGORY OF COMPOSITE MATERIAL BASED ON A MUD MATRIX AND AGRICULTURAL WASTE AS FILLER MATERIALS | Author : Dana-Claudia FARCA?-FLAMAROPOL, Elena SURDU, Radu I. IATAN, Petru CÂRDEI, Ramona MARE | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The article presents the results of preliminary experiments necessary for the foundation of an experimental method that ensures the design and manufacturing technology for a category of composite materials with a mud matrix and agricultural waste insertion. The resources and physico-chemical properties of the mud matrix as well as the resources and physical properties of potential agricultural waste constituents of the insertion in the composite material are presented. The technological variant for the manufacture of the finished product is also presented, consisting of a compression system of the composite mixture in a paste state until solidification with moisture removal (dehydration). From a large number of parameters characterizing the experimental system, few have been varied (insertion concentration in the material, height of the raw material column in the press, raw material density, pressing force), while the quality parameters of the process have only been considered for the capacity of dehydration and material densification. The statistical analysis of the results shows that for the capacity of dehydration and densification, the main input parameters that influence are the initial moisture and initial volume of raw material. Results are obtained that allow the development of a mathematical model for the technological process of manufacturing the composite material. The purpose of the research described in this article is to determine the feasibility and feasibility conditions of the material in its possible variations. This means identifying the insertion concentration and moisture intervals of the material before extrusion, possible. The upper and lower limits of these parameters are sought, so that the material exiting the die does not immediately, or over time, disintegrate, and at the same time, the extrusion process is possible with a reasonable energy consumption. |
| CALIBRATION OF WHITE RICE SIMULATION PARAMETERS BASED ON DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD | Author : Biao XIE, Jinyin BAI, Jiagang YAN, Shibo ZHAO, Nian LIU, Qiang ZHANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the lack of discrete element simulation models and parameters for rice polishing, grading, color sorting and other technologies and equipment, and the difficulty of guiding equipment design and optimization through simulation, this paper calibrates the simulation parameters of white rice based on angle of repose (AOR) test and simulation methods. Huanghuazhan and Dongnong 429 white rice were selected as research object. Numerical model of white rice was established by multi-sphere filling. According to physical test and references, the simulation parameter range of white rice particles was determined. Plackett-Burman test was used to screen parameters, and it was found that the particle-particle static friction coefficient and particle-particle rolling friction coefficient had significant effects on the AOR of white rice. The regression model between the AOR and the significance parameter was established according to the central composite design method. The simulation parameter combination that has significant influence on the physical AOR was determined through the optimization design, and verified by the simulation test. The simulation AOR was compared with the physical AOR, and the relative error of the two kinds of white rice was less than 3%. The results show that the calibration method proposed in this study can accurately simulate the physical AOR test, which can provide reference for discrete element simulation of white rice processing. |
| DESIGN AND TEST OF INTELLIGENT YIELD MONITORING SYSTEM FOR PLOT COMBINE HARVESTER | Author : Xiaoxiang ZHANG, Yingmei WANG, Renjie CHANG, Luxi ZHAO, Xin LI, Yinxing YAN, Wendong NIU, Shixing MA, Haiyan SONG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Traditional yield monitoring in breeding plots is manually conducted, which is labour-intensive and inefficient. To address this issue, an airborne yield monitoring system that collects yield information during the harvesting in plots was designed. The system consists of a host computer and a slave computer. The slave computer used weight and moisture sensors to collect yield information of crops. The host computer used LabVIEW software to design a data management platform that displays and saves yield information and draws yield distribution maps for data visualization. The host and slave computers communicate data through 4G networks. By designing anti-interference measures, the dynamic experimental results showed that the average errors between the measured weight and moisture content by the system were 1.330% and 2.800%, which met the accuracy requirements of yield testing in plot breeding. The results indicated that the structure of the system is reasonable and can provide reliable yield monitoring tools for researchers in breeding plots. |
| CALIBRATION OF DISCRETE ELEMENT PARAMETER OF SOIL IN HIGH-SPEED TILLAGE | Author : Shaochuan LI, Peisong DIAO, Yongli ZHAO, Hequan MIAO, Xianghao LI, Hongda ZHAO | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :For the problem of lacking reliable values of soil parameters required for dynamic simulation analysis of soil under high-speed tillage, no-tillage soil was taken as the research object and its parameters were calibrated using the discrete element method in this study. The Edinburgh Elasto-Plastic Adhesion (EEPA) model was determined as the soil contact model by obtaining the loading force-deformation relationship through uniaxial sealing compression tests. The regression equation was established using Plackett-Burman test and quadratic orthogonal rotation test, and the interaction effects were analyzed. The measured values of the pile angle and strain were obtained through the pile angle test and the uniaxial seal compression test, and the optimal solution was carried out. Further, the simulated values and the measured values under the optimal parameters were compared and verified, the result showed that the error values were all less than 1%. Finally, the soil model was used for high-speed tillage simulation analysis, and the obtained soil particle displacement and groove width were compared with the measured values. It was found that the ditch width error value was 3.04% and the soil displacement was basically the same. This study proved that the contact model parameters were relatively reliable, which could provide theoretical reference for the dynamic characteristics of soil during high-speed cultivation of no-tillage soil. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF CLAMPING-PULL-OFF APPLE PICKING ROBOT | Author : Shike GUO, Min FU, Xiaoman CUI, Zijan WANG, Chengmeng WANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :For the standardized apple orchards in China, which are mainly dwarfed and densely planted, firstly, according to the spatial distribution characteristics of fruits within the tree canopy, a clamping-pull-off apple picking robot was developed by analyzing the parameters of apple cultivation and picking methods, in order to replace the manual harvesting operation. Then, the D-H method was used to establish the kinematic Equations of the apple-picking robot, the forward and inverse kinematic calculations were carried out, and the Monte Carlo method was used to analyze the workspace of the robot. Through the robot picking task planning and the simulation of the trajectory of the robotic arm, the scheme of the robots picking strategy was given, and MATLAB software was applied to simulate the motion trajectory as well as to verify the feasibility of the trajectory planning scheme and the picking strategy. Finally, an apple-picking test bed was set up, the corresponding picking control system program was designed, and 45 apples were selected for picking tests. The results showed that during the robots picking process, the average time for picking each fruit was 7.59 seconds, the fruit recognition success rate was 86.67%, and the picking damage rate was 5.13%. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF AN END-EFFECTOR FOR HARVESTING SWEET PEPPER IN COMPLIANT OBSTACLE ENVIRONMENT | Author : Yunting HUI, Yangyang LIAO, Decheng WANG, Xinxing LI, Zhiheng LU, Yong YOU, Hanchu JIA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Picking sweet peppers by hand is often time-consuming and laborious. To overcome this, in the current study, we developed an end effector for mechanized and non-destructive harvesting of sweet pepper. The design includes grip modules, shear modules and control systems. Based on the establishment of an approximate mathematical model of sweet pepper fruit and the analysis of the biomechanical characteristics of sweet pepper fruit, a pinch finger was proposed. The proposed mechanism is able to successfully achieve non-destructive and stable fixation of sweet pepper and fruit bunches. Key parameters of peduncles cutting were obtained by the cutting test. A cutting mechanism was then designed to achieve efficient separation of the fruit and fruit stem. The designed end effector achieves precise control through a single-chip microcomputer and multi-sensor integrated control system to achieve mature target fruits. The test results showed that the picking success rate, damage rate and picking time of peppers were 93.3%, 1.6% and 5 seconds, respectively. The end effector designed for sweet pepper picking has a simple and reliable structure, which provides a reference for further research on sweet pepper picking robots. |
| POROUS HOT AIR TEA DE-ENZYMING AND CARDING MACHINE UNDER GAS–SOLID COUPLING CONDITIONS: NUMERICAL SIMULATIONS AND PERFORMANCE TESTING | Author : Haijun BI, Pengcheng JIA, Kuan QIN, Lei YU, Chengmao CAO, Dongsong XIA, Xinliang GUO, Yang LIU, Bin CHEN, Yuzhen BI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The gas–solid coupling of a porous hot-air tea de-enzyming and carding machine was studied by means of computational fluid dynamics and discrete element coupling. In the numerical model, the discrete phase of tea particles was simulated using Rocky-DEM software, while the gas phase was described by ANSYS Fluent software. A mathematical model of the movement characteristics of tea particles in air was established according to the principle of fluid mechanics, to carry out dynamic analysis of tea particles’ movement process and derive how the motion of gas and tea particles is governed. Three sets of prototype tests were carried out on the basis of the design and simulation, and the average of their results taken. This showed that the hourly output of the test prototype was 3.89 kg/h, the bar-type rate was 89.14%, the de-enzyming moderation rate was 91.67%, and the average value of the measured effective operating temperature of the pot slot was 189 °C. The performance of the prototype was also tested and analyzed. After conducting a tea sensory evaluation expert appraisal, the sensory evaluation indices of the prototype-processed tea satisfied all current market requirements, being superior to those of the conventional de-enzyming and carding machine. The quality of the finished tea also met the agronomic standards and the operational requirements of the de-enzyming and carding machine. |
| HEAT ENVIRONMENT STUDY OF PASSIVE SOLAR GREENHOUSE | Author : Zhouhua LIU, Xin YOU, Penghui QIAO, Mengjun CHEN, Weiwei CHEGN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Passive solar greenhouses are developing rapidly in China and they can significantly increase crop yields. The main reason for this increase in crop yield is the availability of a suitable thermal environment. In order to investigate the thermal environment of the heliostats in the high latitude water-scarce and cold region of Shanxi, the thermal environment of the heliostats in this region was measured in this paper, and the results showed that the highest temperature of the heliostats was located in the eastern part of the crop area at about 4m from the back wall; the highest and lowest temperatures of the heliostats were located in the eastern part of the crop area;the maximum and minimum temperatures in the greenhouse were located in the eastern part of the crop area, and the temperatures in most of the crop area exceeded 30°C. This research can provide theoretical support for the construction and management of solar greenhouses in low heat and water areas at high latitudes. |
| THE ELECTRIC TRACTION MOTORS BALANCING FOR LOAD TRANSFER EFFECTS COMPENSATION | Author : Mihail ANDREI, Gabriel POPA, Emil TUDOR, Paula ANGHELI?A, Mihai-Gabriel MATACHE | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The individual drive of the axles of a vehicle produces a reduction of the axle adhesion, implicitly reducing the total traction force of the vehicle. The paper proposes eliminating load transfer effects by using an algorithm to redistribute the traction effort between the tractive axles equipped with electric traction motors. A case study is presented, using the balancing of the electric traction torque for an electric locomotive, using the load transfer effects compensation. The conclusions can be extended to maximise the traction of all types of vehicles, such as trailers, hybrid tractors, large harvesters, and Diesel-electric locomotives. |
| DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF A SUPERCRITICAL CO2 LIQUID EXTRACTION MACHINE FOR EXTRACTING BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS | Author : Bambang Dwi ARGO, Adam SYECH, Avial Yosua RIJADI, Mochamad Bagus HERMANTO, Wahyunanto Agung NUGROHO | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Bioactive compounds in animal and plant cells have many benefits for human health, such as antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer. Extraction and separation of bioactive compounds from other compounds is an important step, and commonly, conventional methods are used, but these methods have disadvantages, like producing unwanted compounds. Alternative methods can be conducted using supercritical fluid extraction, but this equipment is expensive and has a small capacity. So, this study aims to produce functional and structural designs and manufacture supercritical fluid extraction machines using carbon dioxide solvents (CO2) operating with a semi-continuous system. This research succeeded in designing and manufacturing a supercritical fluid extraction machine using carbon dioxide (CO2) solvent that operates in a semi-continuous system for the extraction of bioactive compounds, with main components including cover frames, supercritical extractor chamber, low and high-pressure CO2 tubes, compressors and boosters, pipelines, direct valves, manometers, heating, cooler, and expanders, result from reservoirs and automatic control. Moreover, the preliminary simulation test studies revealed that the supercritical extractor chamber could withstand an absolute pressure of 1000 bar, a temperature of 300°C, and a work capacity of 1 L. It indicated that the supercritical CO2 fluid extractor system was performing well for the conditioning of the extractor chamber, which is generated using a booster and controlled by a one-way valve. Then, the extract is transferred to the separation chamber to separate the CO2 gas. Then, CO2 gas is returned to the low-pressure CO2 tubes for recycling and reuse for the following process. |
| NUMERICAL SIMULATION AND TEST OF HOT AIR FAN | Author : Guoliang YOU, Yaoming LI, Hanhao WANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The value of high moisture content crops is higher and the planting area is wider. However, in the harvest process, due to the high moisture content, the cleaning loss is greater. In order to reduce the adhesion between the crop extraction mixture and improve the cleaning performance, a method of hot air cleaning was proposed. By using the fan design theory and thermodynamics, the prototype design of the hot air fan was completed. Through orthogonal test, the most suitable parameter combination is 1445r/min fan speed and 85? air inlet temperature. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to observe the air velocity and air temperature of the outlet under the optimal combination of parameters to check whether it meets the requirements of hot air cleaning. The reliability of numerical simulation was tested by bench test. Finally, a field experiment was carried out with the hot air fan to observe the difference between the cleaning effect and the fan under the optimal parameter combination, and compare the cleaning loss rate. |
| OPTIMIZING AND INTEGRATING ELECTROMECHANICAL ACTUATORS IN AGRICULTURAL EXCAVATOR BOOMS FOR ENHANCED EFFICIENCY AND BATTERY LONGEVITY | Author : Ioan Mihail SAVANIU, Alexandru-Polifron CHIRI?A, Ioana Aristia POPOVICI, Oana TONCIU, Magdalena CULCEA, Ancu?a NEAGU, Robert BLEJAN, Vasilica ?TEFAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The research optimizes electric consumption in agricultural excavator booms by integrating electromechanical actuators and Power-by-Wire technologies. Utilizing a PID controller reduces electric motor peak current consumption, enhancing battery longevity. The research, carried out on a reduced-scale experimental stand, reveals the potential applications of the excavator arm equipment in agriculture, such as the precise location of irrigation systems, arrangement of terraces for orchards or vineyards, setting up greenhouses, and efficient unloading/loading of bulk materials. These applications signify the versatility and adaptability of electrically powered excavators in addressing diverse agricultural needs, emphasizing the significance of the developed mechatronic system for enhancing efficiency and sustainability in agricultural practices. |
| DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD USED TO ANALYZE THE OPERATING PARAMETERS OF THE CUTTING TABLE OF CRAWLER SELF-PROPELLED REED HARVESTER | Author : Kuizhou JI, Yaoming LI, Binbin JI, Zhenwei LIANG, Tuo DU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In this paper, the basic rigid unit and discrete element rigid model of reed stem and discrete element flexible model of reed stem were established by means of multi-spherical filling and other methods. Then, three-point bending test was carried out in EDEM software to complete the calibration of bonding parameters. Finally, simulation analysis was carried out with the loss rate as the index. The simulation results show that the optimal parameter combination is 46 r/min for the transverse transmission device, 53 r/min for the vertical clamping longitudinal transmission device, and 470 mm for the center distance of the drum. Finally, the initial field test verifies that the maximum parameter combination of the harvester header is 49 r/min for the transverse conveying device of the header, 51 r/min for the vertical clamping longitudinal conveyor and 1.1 m/s for the field forward speed of the reed harvester, and the loss rate of the harvester is 3.36%, and the optimal parameter combination is consistent with the simulation analysis results. |
| TRIZ-AIDED DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF KIWIFRUIT PICKING END-EFFECTOR | Author : Min FU, Shike GUO, Jianan CAI, Jiacheng ZHOU, Xiaoyi LIU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Currently kiwifruit picking process mainly leverages manual labour, which has low productivity and high human effort, meanwhile the existing kiwifruit picking machinery also has low picking efficiency and easily damages fruits. In this regard, a multi-fruit envelope-cutting kiwifruit picking end-effector was designed by applying TRIZ assistance in this paper. First, a common kiwifruit picking end-effector was selected as a prototype, the functional analysis method of TRIZ was applied to discover the functional defects of the prototype, after which TRIZ solution tools such as technical contradiction analysis, substance-field analysis, and trimming were applied to improve and innovate, a kiwifruit picking end-effector for automatically recognizing fruits-enveloping fruit clusters-cutting and separating fruit stalks was designed to pick kiwifruit in clusters. Then, ADAMS was applied to perform gait simulation of the end-effector picking action to verify the smoothness and coherence of the picking process. Finally, a kiwifruit picking test stand was set up to conduct picking tests in the form of fruit clusters. The results showed that the average time to pick each cluster of fruit was 8.8s, the picking success rate was 89.3%, and the picking damage rate was 6.0%. All the indicators were better than the prototype and met the expected design requirements. |
| ENERGETICS OF PULLING FLAX STALKS WITH A DISC-BELT FLAX-PULLING APPARATUS | Author : Svitlana YUKHYMCHUK, Serhii YUKHYMCHUK, Mykola TOLSTUSHKO, Igor TSIZ, Nataliya TOLSTUSHKO | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The article describes a new design of the disc-belt flax-pulling apparatus, which will increase the durability of the pulling belts and reduce the material consumption of the flax gleaning machine. The geometrical parameters of the pulling section of the disc-belt flax-pulling apparatus have been established. The energetics of the process of picking flax stalks, which are clamped in the curved longitudinal pulling stream of the disc-belt flax-pulling apparatus, have been theoretically investigated. The dynamics of changes in the components of pulling power when moving the flax stalk along the pulling stream were studied, depending on: the initial inclination of the flax stalk; from the forward speed of the flax harvester; from the angle of inclination of the pulling apparatus to the horizon. The energy per second of pulling and the value of its components are determined. |
| EVALUATION OF TRACTION CHARACTERISTICS OF TRACTOR TIRES ON LOOSE SOILS: SIMULATION AND EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH | Author : Jie WANG, Lili SHANG, Liangyuan XU, Qiansheng TANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In this study, a tire-soil rolling contact model based on the finite element method was established to determine the traction characteristics of the tire on the loose soil. Considering the soil parameters and tire parameters (loads, slip, inflation pressure and tread pattern), the influence of traction characteristics of the tire was obtained, taking tire sinkage and gross traction as evaluation indexes. The correctness of the tire-soil rolling contact model was verified by carrying out the soil bin-single wheel experiments. The results of the simulation and test showed that with the increase of load and sinkage of the tire, the gross traction tended to increase, thus enhancing the tire traction characteristics. With the increase of slip, the tire sinkage and gross traction increased, and the best tire traction characteristics were exhibited at a slip of 20%. Within the rated inflation pressure, as the inflation pressure increased, the tire sinkage decreased, the tire gross traction decreased and the traction characteristics of the tire were weakened. Under simulated working conditions, the traction characteristics of the tire first increased and then decreased with the increase of the number of tire lug pairs, and 15 tire lug pairs performed best. This paper presents a further study on the interaction between tires and soil under different influencing factors, and its findings provide an effective reference for predicting the traction performance assessment of tractor tires on working roads. |
| DESIGN AND OPTIMIZATION OF AN INTEGRATED EXCAVATION AND TRANSPLANTING DEVICE FOR TOBACCO | Author : Zhiguo PAN, Tianfeng SUN, Xiaomeng WANG, Qiuqiang HOU, Shiting LV, Luming ZHANG, Zhenfei YANG, Xuehui ZHANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :To overcome inadequate functional integration, irregular pits, and insufficient agricultural machinery and agronomy in tobacco seedling transplanting equipment under film, a digging transplanting integrated machine was built. The machine uses parallel four-bar mechanism. The excavation equipment uses conical spiral blades. Using the trajectory approach, the four bar mechanisms fundamental parameters can be reversed. This method meets the requirements for coordinated excavation and transplantation. Mechanical study of soil units determines upward movement characteristics. Additionally, spiral angle, spiral blade outer diameter, and spiral blade speed are quantified to affect soil movement. The range of factors is derived. Based on three factors binary regression orthogonal combination simulated optimization experiment, a discrete element analysis was performed to enhance parameters. Experimental factors optimized include a spiral angle of 19°, a spiral blade diameter of 378 mm, and a rotational speed of 258 rpm. The two optimized test indicators are: a 193 mm hole depth and 350 mm hole diameter. The improved results were verified by field validation studies using a 191 mm hole depth and 347 mm hole diameter. The simulation optimization results and field validation experiment results are very similar. This study provides a technical basis for tobacco farming concurrent drilling and transplanting research. |
| STUDY ON VIBRATION ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALL-PARTICLE-SIZE SEEDS BASED ON DEM | Author : Wenxue DONG, Na LI, Fei LIU, Xuan ZHAO, Lihe WANG, Dezheng XUAN, Wendong ZHONG, Hengtong HU, Xiang KONG, Xinyu MENG, Mingyi LI, Zhijiang DUAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to explore the effect of vibration on the adsorption characteristics of small particle size seeds, based on the discrete element method, the changes in the variance of the average tangential force of seeds under different amplitudes were analyzed. The variance of the average tangential force of the seeds increases exponentially with the amplitude. It is inferred that the vibration will change the intensity of the population disturbance. This reduces the seed transient tangential force i.e. transient seed internal friction. To improve the adsorption characteristics of small-sized seeds, the adsorption characteristics at different amplitudes were verified with bench tests. Increasing the amplitude can improve the adsorption characteristics of small-sized seeds. To determine the optimal operating parameters, based on the Box–Behnken test principle, response surface tests were carried out using rotational speed, negative pressure, and amplitude as test factors and seed suction compliance and leakage rate as evaluation indexes. The optimum operating parameters were determined as: rotational speed of 12.05 r/min, negative pressure of 0.89 kPa, and amplitude of 5.75 mm. At this time, the seed suction pass rate was 95.1% and the leakage rate was 2.1%. which is in line with the standard requirements. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF NO-TILLAGE PLANTER FOR HIGH AND LOW BORDERS WHEAT | Author : Shandong YANG, Chuang MA, Baochang ZHANG, Yinping ZHANG, Jinchang YANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the problems of low land utilization and serious water waste in the existing wheat planting pattern, a two-high and two-low wheat high-low border spaced apart planting mode was proposed, and a high and low borders wheat no-till planter that can finish stubbing, fertilization, border construction, seeding and other tasks was designed. The design and analysis of the ship-type ridging device were carried out, and the construction process was simulated to determine the optimal parameters. A field test was carried out, the average sowing depth was 3.17 cm, the qualification rate was 95%, the standard deviation was 0.38 cm, and the coefficient of variation was 12.06%. The average value of the width of the seedling belt was 9.40 cm, the qualification rate was 91.67%, the standard deviation was 0.29 cm, and the coefficient of variation was 3.09%. The average height difference between the high and low borders was 9.26 cm, the pass rate was 100%, the standard deviation was 0.35 cm, and the coefficient of variation was 3.83%. The average width of the borders was 52.18 cm, the qualified rate of the border width was 100%, the standard deviation was 1.00 cm, and the coefficient of variation was 1.93%. The differences between each index and the theoretical design are small and meet the agronomic requirements. |
| THREE-DIMENSIONAL PATH PLANNING OF APPLE HARVESTING ROBOT BASED ON IMPROVED GENETIC ALGORITHM | Author : Zeyuan YAN, Ming SUN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In recent years, the problem of “rural labor shortage” in China has become increasingly serious, with a large number of young laborers going out to work, leading to an increasing amount of idle rural land. The intensification of population aging and the reduction of agricultural labor force in China resulted in an urgent demand for agricultural robots. With the rapid development of agricultural machinery and automation technology, agricultural robots have been continuously developing. They can better adapt to the development of biotechnology in agriculture, and traditional harvesting methods may undergo significant changes, with an increased focus on the cultivation of crops. Therefore, this paper introduces a new encoding scheme on the basis of traditional genetic algorithm (GA) and proposes an improved double encoding GA. This new encoding scheme is used on the crossover link, whereas the path node sequence encoding scheme is still used on the mutation link. The selection operation is placed after the mutation, and the merging sorting and elitist selection are performed on the parent population, crossover population, and mutation population before selection, thereby accelerating the convergence speed. On the basis of the improved GA, the three-dimensional path of the apple harvesting robot is designed and planned, with the addition of adaptive adjustment function during the progress. The experimental simulation results show that the three-dimensional path planning of the apple harvesting mobile robot based on the improved GA can minimize the number of paths and loops and well meet the operational requirements of the harvesting robot. |
| HARVEST LOSS TEST AND OPTIMISATION OF KEY COMPONENTS OF OILSEED RAPE CUTTING TABLES | Author : Jia YAO, Guohai ZHANG, Xin WANG, Jitan LIAN, Minghao LIU, Xipeng QIAN, Yihu WANG, Peng LIU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the problem of high loss of oilseed rape combine harvesting cutting platform, this paper combines the biological characteristics of oilseed rape, analyses the way and reason of oilseed rape loss, selects the harvesters forward speed, transverse cutter cutting height and longitudinal cutter cutting speed three factors to influence the loss rate of the cutting platform to carry out the study on the significance of the order of significance of the following: cutting speed > forward speed > cutting height. Through the response surface analysis method, the interaction between the factors was obtained. Through the regression model of the factors affecting the loss rate, the parameter optimisation was carried out with the objective of the lowest loss rate, and the optimal parameter combinations being obtained as follows: the forward speed was 5 km/h, the cutting speed was 1.5 m/s, and the cutting height was 50 cm. Finally, the results of the model were obtained to be reliable through the experimental validation. |
| PATH PLANNING OF FRUIT AND VEGETABLE PICKING ROBOTS BASED ON IMPROVED A* ALGORITHM AND PARTICLE SWARM OPTIMIZATION ALGORITHM | Author : Chen LI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the suboptimal local path, slow convergence speed, and many inflection points in the path planning of fruit and vegetable picking robots in complex environments, a global planning method combining particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm and A* algorithm was proposed. Firstly, Manhattan distance was taken as a heuristic function of global programming based on the A* algorithm. Secondly, the step size of PSO was adjusted to optimize the path, shorten the path length, and reduce the number of inflection points. Finally, the planned path of the fruit and vegetable picking robot was smoothed so that it could steadily move along a smoother driving path in real scenarios. The experimental results show that compared with the traditional PSO algorithm, the hybrid algorithm based on the improved A* algorithm and PSO algorithm achieves a smoother path and fewer folding points. In comparison with the PSO algorithm, moreover, this algorithm can guarantee the path generation efficiency and the global optimum. In the end, the effectiveness of the proposed method was verified by shortening the path length and reducing the accumulative number of inflection points. |
| HOT AIR DRYING, IMPACT OF INFRARED DRYING, AND COMBINED HOT AIR-INFRARED DRYING ON ALFALFA DRYING QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE | Author : Xihang SUN, Ziwen GUO, Guanghui WANG, Chen CAI, Zhiqin WANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :This study analyzes the drying of alfalfa using hot air, infrared and combined drying techniques. Different temperatures, radiation heights, radiation power and wind speed are used as control factors, and drying time, color, crude protein and specific energy consumption are used as evaluation indicators. After assigning weights to each indicator, the comprehensive evaluation index is calculated. The comprehensive evaluation index of alfalfa drying after combined drying is between 1.00 and 1.30, which is overall higher than hot air drying and infrared drying. Combined drying technology can effectively improve the efficiency and quality of the alfalfa drying process. |
| CRYOGENIC FREEZING OF SOME BERRY SPECIES USING AN EXPERIMENTAL MODEL OF MULTI-FUNCTIONAL QUICK-FREEZING EQUIPMENT | Author : Cristian Marian SORICA, Nicolae-Valentin VLADU?, Andreea Iulia GRIGORE, Mario CRISTEA, Elena SORICA, Remus Marius OPRESCU, Alexandru IONESCU, Lauren?iu Constantin VLADU?OIU, Lucian DUMITRESCU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :For the preservation of horticultural products, the best results in keeping the attributes and quality at a level as close as possible to that of the fresh product are obtained when artificial cold (refrigeration, freezing) is used, unlike other methods. Among the existing freezing methods, freezing with cryogenic agents allows obtaining average linear freezing rates superior to the other methods. The fastest procedure for cooling food products involves the use of liquid nitrogen, which comes into direct contact with the surface of the food product that needs to be frozen. The paper analyzes the quick freezing process of three species of berries, namely blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, using an experimental model of multifunctional quick-freezing equipment - ICR, developed by INMA Bucharest as part of a national research programme. Total times and average linear freezing rates, as well as liquid nitrogen consumptions for each of the three species subjected to freezing, were tracked. Following the analysis of the experimental data, there were found the following: the minimum total freezing time, 498 s, was recorded for blueberries and the maximum total freezing time, 773 s, was recorded for strawberries; for blueberries and strawberries the average linear freezing rates recorded values of 6.32 cm/h and 6.29 cm/h corresponding to a very fast freezing process and for raspberries the average linear freezing rate recorded a value of 1.62 cm/h corresponding to a fast freezing process; liquid nitrogen consumption recorded a minimum value of 6.90 kg for blueberries and a maximum value of 7.20 kg for raspberries. In the case of blueberries, at the end of the freezing process, cracks and fissures of the epidermis and pulp were observed as a result of the thermal shock induced during the very rapid freezing process. |
| IMPROVED YOLOv8-BASED AUTOMATED DETECTION OF WHEAT LEAF DISEASES | Author : Na MA, Yanwen LI, Miao XU, Hongwen YAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Stripe rust, leaf rust, and powdery mildew are important leaf diseases in wheat, which significantly affect the yield and quality of wheat. Their timely identification and diagnosis are of great significance for disease management. To achieve convenient identification of wheat leaf diseases based on mobile devices, an improved YOLOv8 method for wheat leaf disease detection is proposed. This method incorporates the CBAM(Convolutional Block Attention Module) attention mechanism module into the feature fusion network to enhance the networks feature expression ability. Experimental results show that the improved YOLOv8 model has an accuracy, recall rate, and mean average precision (mAP) of 95%, 98.3%, and 98.8% respectively for wheat leaf disease detection, with a model memory usage of 5.92MB. Compared with the Faster R-CNN, YOLOv5, YOLOv7, and YOLOv8 models, the mAP has been improved by 66.76, 48, 13.2, and 1.9 percentage points respectively, and it also has the lowest model memory usage. The research demonstrates that the improved YOLOv8 model can provide an effective exploration for automated detection of wheat leaf diseases. |
| AUTOMATED QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF APPLES USING CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS | Author : Adrian IOSIF, Edmond MAICAN, Sorin BIRI?, Lucretia POPA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Quality assessment of apples is a pivotal task in the agriculture and food industries, with direct implications for economic gains and consumer satisfaction. Traditional methods, whether manual, mechanical or electromechanical, face challenges in terms of labor intensity, speed, and quality control. This paper introduces a solution using machine learning algorithms – specifically, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) – for a more nuanced and efficient apple quality assessment. Our approach offers a balance between the high-speed capabilities of electromechanical sorting and the detailed recognition achievable with human evaluation. A dataset consisting of over 2000 apple images, labeled as Good or Damaged, was compiled for training and validation purposes. The paper investigates various architectures and hyperparameter settings for several CNN models to optimize performance metrics, such as accuracy, precision, and recall. Preliminary evaluations indicate that the MobileNet and Inception models yield the highest levels of accuracy, emphasizing the potential of machine learning algorithms to significantly enhance apple quality assessment processes. Such improvements can lead to greater efficiency, reduced labor costs, and more rigorous quality control measures. |
| EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON NAVIGATION FOR WHEAT SEEDLING ROOT CUTTING BASED ON DEEP LEARNING | Author : HaiBo LIN, Chenhe XU, Yuandong LU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In response to the automatic extraction of navigation lines for wheat root cutting, this paper conducted field experiments and analyses on the navigation line extraction algorithm, based on the improved YOLOv5 algorithm. Firstly, based on the characteristics of wheat seedling rows during the wheat rejuvenation period, the YOLOv5 algorithm was improved by using rotation detection box labels, and navigation lines were extracted by fitting the detection boxes using clustering methods. Then, an experimental system was established to conduct field experiments on the algorithm: (1) Tests were conducted at three speeds of 0.5 m/s, 1.0 m/s and 1.5 m/s respectively, and the position error of the root cutter was measured and analyzed, indicating that the actual navigation path position error increased with the speed. The best navigation performance was observed at 1 m/s, with an average positional error of 18.56 mm, meeting the requirements for wheat root cutting. (2) Robustness analysis of the algorithm was conducted using data collected from 2019 to 2022. Comparative tests were conducted from four aspects: different years, different time periods, different environments, and different yaw angles. The results showed that the algorithm proposed in this paper has stronger robustness and higher accuracy. |
| LIGNIN UTILIZATION FOR THE REMOVAL OF MICROPLASTIC PARTICLES FROM WATER | Author : Iuliana GAGEANU, Florbela CARVALHEIRO, Adam EKIELSKI, Luis C. DUARTE | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The focus of the research was to evaluate the use of lignin from different sources as an agent for the removal of diverse types of microplastics when present in wastewater. Organosolv lignin was obtained from three different sources (Miscanthus sp., pine bark and solid anaerobic digestates from Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Wastes) by an ethanol-based organosolv treatment carried out in a pressurized stirred-tank reactor. The lignins obtained were evaluated as an adsorbent for diverse types of microplastics: High-density polyethylene (HDPE), Polystyrene (PS), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS), and Polypropylene (PP). All lignins used had the capacity to capture plastic particles from all plastic types, but a differential absorbance potential was found both for plastic types and lignin samples. EPS was the least adsorb type for all lignin sources, with the remaining plastics presenting equivalent results. Pine bark lignin was the best adsorbent among the tested feedstocks, always presenting the best performance for all plastic types. The direct utilization of organosolv hydrolysates, avoiding lignin recovery presented a similar behaviour. These results open the possibility to develop new natural, plant-based, adsorbents for microplastic removal from contaminated wastewater. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF OVERLOAD PROTECTION AND AUTOMATIC OBSTACLE AVOIDANCE MECHANISM FOR BIDIRECTIONAL PLOUGHING EQUIPMENT | Author : Jinbao LIU, Xuan ZHENG, Yanhui ZHANG, Yuying SONG, Zhihui TANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :During the tillage of two-way ploughing equipment in rocky and barren soil, due to hard objects such as stones, the plough and the key working parts such as plough column are deformed and broken, thereby reducing the reliability and service life of machines and tools. As such, an anti-overload automatic obstacle avoidance mechanism for two-way ploughing is developed. The maximum obstacle avoidance height is 40 cm, and the obstacle avoidance angle a is designed. The rotation range is 4.6 ~51.5°, and the effective compression stroke of the spring after pre-tightening is 39.34 mm. The motion equation and quasi-static force equation of the mechanism are established. The plowing resistance in the equilibrium state is 9.74 KN, and the required spring preload is 9.75 KN. Under the safety factor of 1.3, different spring elastic coefficients change with the rotation angle of the mechanism. The virtual prototype simulation model of the anti-overload automatic obstacle avoidance mechanism is established. The simulation results show that the mechanism can effectively perform the obstacle avoidance action. Bench test verifies that the mechanism can avoid obstacles according to the predetermined load. The field test shows that the stability coefficient of the ploughing depth of the mechanism is less than 8%. The results can effectively realize the obstacle avoidance function and ensure the farming quality, and provide an efficient and reliable anti-overload obstacle avoidance structure and parameter basis for the rocky land. |
| SIMULATION TEST AND VERIFICATION OF MATERIAL CONVEYING FOR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZED AIR SUCTION JUJUBE PICKING MACHINE BASED ON CFD-DEM COUPLING | Author : Fengkui ZHANG, Wenxi SHAO, Shijie ZHAO, Jikui ZHU, Ping LI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :To improve the quality of air suction jujube picker, the CFD-DEM coupled method is used to numerically simulate the conveying process of jujube particles and explore the motion state, particle collision and energy loss of jujube particles in the pipeline. The erosion rate is selected as an evaluation index to discuss the influence of wind velocity, bending angle and diameter on the conveying process. The simulation results show that the collisions between jujubes, as well as the collisions between jujubes and pipe wall have an impact on the conveying performance, and the latter is more significant. The erosion rate is positively correlated with the wind velocity, negatively correlated with the pipe diameter, and the bending angle first decreases and then increases. The influence degree of factors on the erosion rate is: wind velocity > bending angle > pipeline diameter. The optimal parameter combination is a wind velocity of 28 m•s-1, a bending angle of 105 °, and a pipe diameter of 130 mm. At this time, the value of erosion rate is the lowest and the number of collisions and energy loss between jujube particles are reduced by 37.3 % and 13.87 % year-on-year, and those between jujube particles and pipe wall are reduced by 17.45 % and 17.61 % year-on-year, respectively. The test results show that the conveying pipe with optimized structural parameters can reduce the jujube skin damage rate by 2.06 %. The results of this study can provide a reference for the design and optimization of the air suction jujube picker. |
| ANALYSIS ON PATH OPTIMIZATION OF AGRICULTURAL HANDLING ROBOTS BASED ON ANT COLONY-IMPROVED ARTIFICIAL POTENTIAL FIELD METHOD | Author : Hexia CHU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the problems of low efficiency and slow function convergence of the ant colony algorithm in path planning of agricultural transport robots, a fusion algorithm combined with the artificial potential field method was proposed. Firstly, the function of each parameter was analyzed according to the mathematical model of the traditional ant colony algorithm, followed by the simulation analysis of the optimal parameters through grid map modeling in MATLAB and data recording. Secondly, the deficiency of the classical artificial potential field method in agriculture, i.e., it could not arrive at the endpoint or realize local locking, was improved by introducing the intermediate point and the relative distance of the target. Finally, the features of the two algorithms were combined and the improved artificial potential field method was integrated with the traditional ant colony algorithm so that the improved artificial potential field method could play a dominant role in the initial path planning stage of agricultural transport robots while the ant colony algorithm exerted the main effect in the later stage with the increase in the pheromone concentration. It was verified through simulation analysis, it was verified that the fusion algorithm of ant colony algorithm and improved artificial potential field method outperforms traditional ant colony algorithm in terms of farthest path, optimal path, running time, and iteration number. |
| EVALUATION OF THE THERMAL BEHAVIOR OF PLANTS IN THE MICROGREENHOUSE WITH MICROBOLOMETRIC IMAGE SENSORS | Author : George IPATE, Constantin Daniel COTICI, Alina-Daiana IONESCU, Viorel FATU, Iuliana GAGEANU, Dan CUJBESCU, Ana Maria NICOLAU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In this research, the data from temperature measurements obtained with the InfiRay T2S+ device, an infrared thermal imaging camera have been checked to monitor plant thermal behaviour. Plant leaf temperature is a parameter frequently used as representative for stomatal conductance, as stomatal confinement results in attenuated transpiration, and consequently leads to increased plant temperature. Also, to identify the stress of the plant, indices of thermal and modified stress have been calculated. The results obtained show that the Kalanchoe blossfeldiana species chosen for this study, when exposed to extreme values of temperature or water requirements, presented significant changes in the infrared electromagnetic wave spectra. |
| EFFECTS OF INSULATION COVER MEASURES ON THE TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENT OF CHINESE SOLAR GREENHOUSE | Author : Qian SUN, Yang SONG, Zhigang YANG, Xiaorui LIU, Shimao CUI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Chinese solar greenhouses (CSGs) are the important agricultural building facility with highly efficient and sustainable utilization of solar energy. In order to improve the thermal insulation performance and reduce the heat loss, different insulation cover measures were applied to Chinese solar greenhouses. In this study, a solar greenhouse with an internal insulation blanket (SG1), a greenhouse with an internal blanket and an internal plastic film (SG2) and a greenhouse with an external blanket, an internal blanket and an internal plastic film (SG3) were chosen as experimental objects to analyze their indoor temperature environment. The results indicated that the differences of solar radiation interior among three greenhouses were similar, which was not the main reason that caused the differences of the temperature environment in the three greenhouses. During the tests, the nighttime average temperature was increased by 2.1-3°C by adding the cover materials, and the duration of nighttime temperature greater than 8°C was increased by 33.5%-38.2%. In addition, the cost is increased by adding the insulation cover materials, but it will be beneficial for greenhouse production to reduce additional energy consumption. |
| STUDY ON THE INFLUENCE OF MOISTURE CONTENT AND COMPRESSION RESISTANCE CHARACTERISTICS OF CORN GRAIN ON THRESHED BREAKAGE RATE | Author : Yinping ZHANG, Zehua HAO, Lihang JIAO, Qinghua LUAN, Hua ZHOU, Meizhou CHEN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :High breakage rate is the bottleneck that restricts corn grain mechanical harvesting in double-cropping area in China. The moisture content and compression resistance characteristics of corn grain have important effects on the breakage rate at threshing. In this paper, 5 corn varieties planted in double cropping area were selected and the effects of grain moisture content and compression resistance characteristics on threshed breakage rate were studied. Results showed that both the grains moisture content and the compression resistance characteristics had effects on the threshed breakage rate. The lower the moisture content, the greater the force required for breakage, and the more difficult it was to break. Meanwhile the breakage rate was also related to the displacement during pressing. The smaller the displacement, the lower the breakage rate, but if the displacement was too small, the corn was a silty variety and the breakage rate was still high. When the moisture content was 33%±1%, the threshing verification test showed that the average breakage rate of DH605, LY296 and KN21 was 5.39%, 5.02% and 7.13%, respectively, which was not suitable for grain mechanical harvesting under high moisture content (moisture content higher than 30%). However, the average breakage rate of LK868 and LD6018 was 4.76% and 4.25% respectively, which was suitable for grain mechanical harvesting under high moisture content. This research could provide a reference for corn varieties selection suitable for mechanical kernel harvesting in double cropping area. |
| RESEARCH ON DAMPING PERFORMANCE OF ORCHARD FRUIT THREE-STAGE DAMPING TRAILER BASED ON ADAMS | Author : Yifan WANG, Nan AN, Jiaxin LU, Zhihong ZHAO, Xiahui FU, Qingliang CUI, Juxia WANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :To enhance the vibration-damping performance of orchard transport trailers and reduce the damage rate during fruit transportation, this study constructed a D-level simulation pavement analyzed trailers vibration-damping system, and optimized design of two types of three-stage vibration-damping transport trailers. The vibration mechanical properties of Fuji apples were experimentally evaluated, revealing a positive correlation between damage rate and vibratior acceleration. By utilizing vibration acceleration as a vibration-damping parameter, Adams software was employed to simulate the trailers vibration-damping performance. The results demonstrate that the three-stage trailer with rubber vibration-damping pads in the horizontal direction exhibits superior vibration-damping effectiveness compared to existing trailers. |
| DISTRIBUTION ROUTE OPTIMIZATION FOR MULTI-VEHICLE AGRICULTURAL MATERIALS CONSIDERING CARBON EMISSION COST | Author : Li LI, Xuesong YANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Agriculture is the foundation of the national economy, and agricultural materials are the basis of agricultural development. As the three rural issues (agriculture, countryside, and farmers) become increasingly important, the distribution of agricultural materials attracts extensive attention. Given the slow development of rural logistics, the traditional agricultural material distribution process encounters many problems, such as cumbersome distribution links, high distribution costs, and low profit for enterprises, which in turn cause high production costs and low income for farmers. In consideration of battery energy consumption and soft time window constraints, this study adopted the agricultural material distribution route as the study object and established an optimization model of the agricultural material distribution route with fixed , transportation, energy consumption, time window penalty, and carbon emission costs as the objective functions. With regard to the algorithm, the operation of differential update and chaotic disturbance was innovatively enhanced and applied to the improved ant colony algorithm to simulate the model and obtain the optimal distribution route optimization model. Results show that the traditional ant colony algorithm improved by differential updating and chaotic disturbance has the advantages of low distribution cost, reasonable route, small number of activated vehicles, and short convergence time. Compared with the traditional ant colony algorithm, the improved ant colony algorithm can converge to the global optimum faster. This study provides guidance and suggestions on route selection and vehicle configuration to reduce costs and increase efficiency and offers certain theoretical support to alleviate urban traffic pollution and implement carbon trading policies in the future. |
| AGRICULTURAL UAV CROP SPRAYING PATH PLANNING BASED ON PSO-A* ALGORITHM | Author : Lijuan FAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Currently, drones have been gradually applied in the field of agriculture, and have been widely used in various types of agricultural aerial operations such as precision sowing, pesticide spraying, and vegetation detection. The use of agricultural UAVs for pesticide spraying has become an important task in the agricultural plant protection process. However, in the crop spraying process of agricultural UAVs, it is necessary to traverse multiple spray points and plan obstacle avoidance paths, which greatly affects the efficiency of agricultural UAV crop spraying operations. To address the above issues, traditional particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms have strong solving capabilities, but they are prone to falling into local optima. Therefore, this study proposes an improved PSO algorithm combined with the A* algorithm, which introduces a nonlinear convergence factor balancing algorithm for global search and local development capabilities in the traditional PSO algorithm, and adopts population initialization to enhance population diversity, so that the improved PSO algorithm has stronger model solving capabilities. This study designs two scenarios for agricultural UAV crop spraying path planning: one without obstacles and one with obstacles. Experimental simulation results show that using the PSO algorithm to solve the obstacle-free problem and then using the A* algorithm to correct the path obstructed by obstacles in the obstacle scenario, the agricultural UAV crop spraying trajectory planning based on the PSO-A* algorithm is real and effective. This research can provide theoretical basis for agricultural plant protection and solve the premise of autonomous operation of UAVs. |
| AGRICULTURAL UAV CROP SPRAYING PATH PLANNING BASED ON PSO-A* ALGORITHM | Author : Lijuan FAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Currently, drones have been gradually applied in the field of agriculture, and have been widely used in various types of agricultural aerial operations such as precision sowing, pesticide spraying, and vegetation detection. The use of agricultural UAVs for pesticide spraying has become an important task in the agricultural plant protection process. However, in the crop spraying process of agricultural UAVs, it is necessary to traverse multiple spray points and plan obstacle avoidance paths, which greatly affects the efficiency of agricultural UAV crop spraying operations. To address the above issues, traditional particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithms have strong solving capabilities, but they are prone to falling into local optima. Therefore, this study proposes an improved PSO algorithm combined with the A* algorithm, which introduces a nonlinear convergence factor balancing algorithm for global search and local development capabilities in the traditional PSO algorithm, and adopts population initialization to enhance population diversity, so that the improved PSO algorithm has stronger model solving capabilities. This study designs two scenarios for agricultural UAV crop spraying path planning: one without obstacles and one with obstacles. Experimental simulation results show that using the PSO algorithm to solve the obstacle-free problem and then using the A* algorithm to correct the path obstructed by obstacles in the obstacle scenario, the agricultural UAV crop spraying trajectory planning based on the PSO-A* algorithm is real and effective. This research can provide theoretical basis for agricultural plant protection and solve the premise of autonomous operation of UAVs. |
| TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE SUBSISTENCE AGRICULTURE IN ROMANIA WITH LOW-COST IoT MODULES AND SOLUTIONS – PROOF OF CONCEPT | Author : Stefania-Adriana HOTEI, Cristina Ioana MARGHESCU, Rodica Cristina NEGROIU, Andrei DRUMEA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Climate change is having a strong impact on agriculture, and those most affected are small farmers and those practicing subsistence agriculture. Better management of resources is also needed in this context. IoT monitoring tools enable real-time monitoring of crops to make decisions, for example, regarding irrigation. For them to be used by smallholder and subsistence farmers, the system must be inexpensive and easy to use, preferably with interfaces with which the user is already familiar. We wanted to develop a low-cost system with commercially available components and a familiar interface. Since most households in Romania have Internet access or a cell phone with data, data transfer via WiFi was chosen, and Google Sheets was used for data management. For power supply, different methods were tested, from batteries to autonomous systems with solar cells and supercapacitors. The system has successfully passed the first tests and is now being implemented. |
| CONSTRUCTION AND EVALUATION OF SIMULATION MODEL FOR THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF MILLET IN ARID AREAS | Author : Yuzhi WANG, Yaoyu LI, Tengteng QU, Siyu WANG, Lili SUN, Wuping ZHANG, Fuzhong LI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The establishment of crop growth models enables the simulation of the impacts of environmental changes on crop growth, providing theoretical guidance for exploring the relationship between environmental factors and crop growth. The model used the growth cycle (GC) as the simulation time step and was built upon four sub-models: topology, photosynthesis, biomass allocation, and geometric morphology. It was quantitatively utilized the concept of effective accumulated temperature (EAT) and parameters such as sink and expansion rate were used to explain the allometric growth relationships among different organs. The R2 values for the geometric morphological parameters such as leaf length, leaf width, leaf area, and internode volume ranged from 0.78 to 0.94, while the F-values for the regression equations ranged from 1533.53 to 13949.51. The R2 values for simulating leaf, internode, and earhead biomass were 0.62-0.94, 0.74-0.97, and 0.98, respectively, with RMSE values ranging from 0.02 to 0.13 g for leaf biomass, 0.03 to 0.13 g for internode biomass, and 1.71 g for earhead biomass. The results indicated that the model exhibited good performance and reliability in simulating the growth and development of leaves, internodes, and earheads. This provides a solid foundation for the development of a millet model with functional-structural feedback. |
| RESEARCH ON THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING BUTTER IN LABORATORY CONDITIONS | Author : Iuliana STANA, Paula TUDOR, Alexandru CIRIC, Mihaela BEGEA, Gheorghe VOICU, Vasilica STEFAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Optimizing the process of obtaining butter requires experiments in laboratory conditions, where some parameters need to be adjusted and monitored. For a low-capacity churn with a horizontal semi-helical paddle, the beating time was determined depending on the speed of the beater and the fat content of the cream. At a fat content of 30% in the cream, the butter percentage obtained at low speeds was 27.7%, while for a speed of 3000 rpm a butter percentage of only 21.3% was obtained. The paper also presents other results necessary for establishing the functional parameters of small churns. |
| EFFECT OF LOW-VOLTAGE -ELECTROSTATIC-FIELD (LVEF) ASSISTING REFRIGERATION ON PRESERVATION QUALITY OF STRAWBERRY | Author : Huaming HOU, Shuai CUI, Dengming LI, Zhigang LI, Yisheng CHEN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to maintain the storage quality of strawberry after harvest and study the effect of low voltage electrostatic field (LVEF)-assisting refrigerated storage on strawberries quality, the study applied the low voltage electrostatic field (3kV 4±1? in LVEF group) to store strawberries in refrigeration environment, and setting refrigerated storage at 4±1°C as the control (CK group). The results showed that the freshness days of strawberries refrigerated by low voltage electrostatic field were twice as long as those of refrigerated group. The brightness and red-green degree of strawberries in LVEF group were 1.5 times and 2 times of those in CK group, respectively. The peak hardness of strawberry in LVEF group was 1.43 times of that in CK group, and the hardness decline range was 18.97% lower than that in CK group. The decreasing ranges of Total soluble solids (TSS), Titratable acids (TA) and Vitamin C(VC) in LVEF group were 43.91%, 60.01% and 46.17% lower than those in CK group, respectively. The increment of Malondialdehyde (MDA) of strawberries in LVEF group was 19.77% lower than that in CK group, and the activity peak of Superoxide dismutase (SOD) of strawberries in LVEF group was 1.22 times of that in CK group, and the decreasing range was 22.86% lower than that in CK group. After 10 days of storage, the weight loss rate and decay rate of strawberries in LVEF group and CK group were 16.69%, 15% and 70.65%, 59.45%, respectively. In conclusion, applying low voltage electrostatic field to refrigerated storage can effectively inhibit the quality deterioration of strawberries during refrigerated storage period. |
| ESTIMATION OF THE RANDOM INTENSITY OF THE SOIL TILLAGE DRAFT FORCES IN THE SUPPORTS OF THE WORKING BODIES OF A CULTIVATOR | Author : Petru CARDEI, Nicolae CONSTANTIN, Vergil MURARU, Catalin PERSU, Raluca SFIRU, Daniel LATES | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The investigation on the unpredictability of the distribution of traction resistance forces on the working bodies of a specific type of MCLS complex cultivator is presented in the paper. The validation of the random character of the force that loads the active bodies is used to indicate the mathematical model that must be followed for the research of the soil processing system. Also, the research results elucidate some hypotheses issued in the conception and design of the machine: the more intense load for the working bodies from the lines of working bodies located immediately after the tractor, the existence of working bodies that are constantly more intensively requested and the causes. According to the literature, it is to be assumed that the forces that demand the working bodies, the supports, and the machine frame have a random nature. The conclusions of the descriptive, inferential statistical study (which do not quantify the random intensity) are explained together with the results. The experimental loads are compared to some of the most random strings to produce a quantitative estimate of the random intensity. As a result, processes that use random functions and the entirety of their approach are recommended in mathematical modelling for further research |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENTAL OPTIMIZATION OF ROTARY CUTTING SAFFLOWER HARVESTING END EFFECTOR | Author : Puhang LI, Xinyue ZHANG, Hao ZHANG, Zeyu WANG, Shiwei WEN, Jun CHEN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the problems of high damage rate and loss rate of the existing safflower harvesting equipment, this study designed a rotary cutting safflower harvesting end effector by combining the growth characteristics and mechanical properties. Through force analysis of the cutting tool, the key factors, which affects the harvesting performance, were clarified to be the blade inclination and the knife shaft speed. The Fluent software was used to analyze the flow field of the harvesting chamber, which aims to determine the appropriate wind speed. To improve the working performance of the rotary cutting safflower harvesting end effector, a three-factor, three-level orthogonal test was carried out with the blade inclination, knife shaft speed and wind speed as the influencing factors, and with the recovery rate, damage rate and loss rate as the response indexes. A regression model for the three-factor interaction was developed and optimized based on the results of the Box-Behnken test. The optimal parameter combination is: the blade inclination is 15°, the knife shaft speed is 1570 r/min, and the wind speed is 6 m/s. A test of the optimization results showed that the recovery rate was 91.47%, the damage rate was 7.51%, and the loss rate was 4.67%. This study can provide theoretical basis and technical reference for the mechanized harvesting of safflower. |
| RESEARCH ON SEMANTIC SEGMENTATION OF GREENHOUSE ROAD IMAGE | Author : YongZheng YANG, HongBo WANG, ZhiCheng XIE, JunMao LI, ZiLu HUANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to realize the automatic driving of agricultural machinery in greenhouse, this paper uses image acquisition equipment to collect road images in greenhouse and makes data sets, builds SETR model based on Transformer framework and DeepLabv3+ model based on convolution neural network for semantic segmentation of road images in greenhouse, and verifies the semantic segmentation ability of the two models to road images in greenhouse. Several groups of training periods are set as observation points to observe the semantic segmentation effect of the two models on the greenhouse road image, and the test set which has not been trained by the model is used as the prediction object to verify the performance of the two models on the semantic segmentation of greenhouse road image. The SETR model reached 94.64% PA on the greenhouse road data set, and 82.72% mIoU, DeepLabv3+ model reached 90.80% PA and 72.35% mIoU on the greenhouse road data set. Both models have excellent performance in semantic segmentation of greenhouse road images, and the performance of SETR model is slightly better than that of DeepLabv3+ model. The semantic segmentation performance of the two models for greenhouse road images can meet the needs of actual deployment. |
| THE EVOLUTION OF ROMANIAN AGRICULTURE MECHANIZATION DEGREE | Author : Ancuta MARIN, Vili DRAGOMIR, Ruxandra POP, Marian BUTU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Mechanization is a fundamental aspect of agricultural sector modernization, bringing with it both benefits and challenges. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the degree of mechanization of Romanian agriculture and identify the major trends that marked the evolution of this process in the last ten years. Regional differences in the degree of mechanization were also explored, highlighting the particularities and challenges of each region. This analysis will provide a comprehensive perspective on the impact of mechanization in agriculture in Romania and will serve as a basis for the formulation of appropriate agricultural policies for the sustainable development of the countrys agricultural sector. |
| DESIGN AND EXPERIMENT OF IMPELLER TYPE VARIABLE FERTILIZER DISCHARGER DEVICE BASED ON EDEM SIMULATION | Author : Bai-wei WANG, Gang CHE, Lin WAN, Nai-chen ZHAO, Zhan-nan GUAN | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Aiming at the problem of poor uniformity and stability of fertilizer discharge caused by the operation of the fertilizer discharger in the variable fertilization operation of rice. Combined with the agronomic requirements of deep fertilization on the northeast side, an impeller type variable side deep fertilizer was designed. According to the change of the prescription map, change the adjustment factors to achieve reasonable fertilization. Based on EDEM simulation, using the fertilizer discharge stability and uniformity coefficient of variation as indicators, under different impeller blades, different impeller speeds and different fertilizer discharge port angles, a secondary orthogonal rotation combination test was carried out, using Design-Expert. V8.0.6.1 is analyzed and tested, the regression equation and the response surface diagram are obtained, the interaction between the influencing factors is analyzed, and the best combination is determined. It is concluded that the stability and uniformity coefficient of variation of fertilizer discharge have reached the quality evaluation index of fertilization machinery According to technical specifications, the coefficient of variation of stability is 0.67%~2.85%, and the coefficient of variation of uniformity is 2.7%~16.4%. When the number of blades is 6, the fan angle of the fertilizer outlet is 35.7°, and the impeller speed is 18.85 r·min-1, the minimum variation coefficient of stability is 0.67%, and the minimum variation coefficient of uniformity is 2.1%. The bench test results are basically consistent with the optimal combination of simulation, and meet the design requirements. |
| MECHANICAL PROPERTIES AND CONSTRUCTION OF CONSTITUTIVE MODEL FOR COMPRESSION AND STRESS RELAXATION OF CATTLE MANURE | Author : Weisong ZHAO, Yongsheng CHEN, Weiqiang LIN, Zhenwei WANG, Qimin GAO, Hu XIE, Biao MA, Mingjiang CHEN, Jingjing FU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to study the mechanical properties of compression and stress relaxation of manure under drainage conditions, the experiment was carried out with cattle manure as the object, and the constitutive models were improved to describe the stress-strain curves of compression and stress relaxation. The defined constitutive model was determined by parameter identification, and the influence laws of moisture content and filling mass on the compression and relaxation process were investigated. The results show that the improved Nishihara model and the five-component generalized Maxwell model can better describe the compression and stress relaxation properties of cattle manure, and the coefficients of determination of the parameters of the fitted intrinsic model are all greater than 0.9, with high fitting accuracy. The compression process was divided into three stages: exhaust, drainage, and viscoelastic-plastic deformation. The stress decay rate tended to change quickly and then slowly, and there was a negative correlation between the compressed mass, moisture content, and stress decay rate. Duncan s mean comparisons revealed that the differences in elastic modulus between different moisture content / compressed mass groups in the parameters of the cattle manure compression principal model were all significant (P<0.05). The differences in elastic modulus and coefficient of viscous attenuation between different moisture content groups in the parameters of the stress relaxation model were all significant. The studys results can provide the theoretical basis for the study and simulation of CMs compression and dewatering mechanism and provide support for the solid-liquid separator for livestock and poultry manure. |
| STUDY ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF Cerasus humilis FREE FALLING IMPACT | Author : Shilei KANG, Yanshun XU, Jingpu ZHOU, Bin TONG, Junlin HE | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The contact parameters between calcium fruit and comb teeth are the key to the virtual picking test. In this paper, the physical test of free-falling impacting plate on the self-built test bench and the centre rotation composite simulation test of rigid body dynamics were carried out. The relationship between the contact parameters and dynamic characteristics was obtained, and the contact model was optimized. The contact stiffness k=0.868, force index e=1.91 and damping C=5.56E-4 were obtained when the height of the free falling body was 500 mm. The model was applied to lower free-fall simulation test, and the obtained results were in good agreement with the physical test results. The contact model can be used in the subsequent picking simulation. |
| DESIGN AND SIMULATION OF THREE-DEGREE-OF-FREEDOM WRIST STRUCTURE OF PICKING MANIPULATOR | Author : Junhui SUN, Jinliang GONG, Yanfei ZHANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to solve the problem of poor flexibility of existing picking manipulators, a picking manipulator with a wrist joint has been designed, the wrist is capable of rotating 45° forward and backward around the x and y axes. Firstly, ANSYS was used to simulate the performance of different hoses under different conditions, and finally a 4*6 mm PVC hose was selected to replace the internal cardan joint as the transmission component. Secondly, the wrist structure was optimised using genetic algorithm to reduce the tendon rope variation differences to 0.31 mm and 0.24 mm. Finally, the results of orchard picking experiments indicate that the end-effector rotation of 720° can ensure that the fruit stalks can be unscrewed, the time required to complete the picking is 1.6 s, and the overall picking success rate was 100%. After 9 days of placing the harvested fruit, both the flesh and skin are intact, indicating that the manipulators can complete the non-destructive picking operation. |
| CLOUD-SIDE COLLABORATION-BASED TASK ALLOCATION STRATEGY FOR AGRICULTURAL MACHINE FLEET | Author : Junzheng ZHAO, Jinliang GONG, Yanfei ZHANG | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to rationally plan the amount of tasks and task areas for each agricultural robot in the farm, a cloud-side collaborative task allocation scheme is proposed. The cloud platform divides farm tasks based on field obstacles and extracts the center of gravity prime points for each farm task; plasmas as regional task target points through dynamic genetic algorithms for near-field aggregation, after accelerating the solution process by dynamic crossover and variational operators, the Metropolis criterion is introduced to eliminate the local optimal solution of the algorithm and obtain the globally optimal allocation solution. Simulation experiments show that the optimal allocation reduces 9.21%, 5.66%, and 7.21% in the total cost compared to the random allocation, and the feasibility of the algorithm is proved experimentally. Reasonable task allocation can improve the overall production efficiency of agriculture, which is informative for unmanned farms operating in large areas |
| VIBRATION ASSESSMENT OF TRACTOR OPERATOR BASED ON VIBRATION SIGNALS | Author : Christos I. DIMITRIADIS, Dimitrios KATERIS, Panagiotis XYRADAKIS, Aspasia GIALAMA, Theodoros GIALAMAS | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Operator fatigue during work with agricultural machinery is a significant factor contributing to fatal accidents in Greece. Workers operating agricultural machinery, especially those working with tractors and off-road machines, constitute one of the most hazard-prone groups due to mechanical vibrations transmitted from the ground to the operators seats. Operators of tractors and off-road machines are exposed to intense mechanical vibrations, underscoring the importance of cumulatively calculating permitted working hours. This work presents a study that was conducted at the Laboratory of Safety and Ergonomics of Agricultural Machinery, Department of Agriculture – Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Thessaly, in order to evaluate the vibrations generated when operators work with agricultural tractors and off-road machinery. The results of the study showed that the highest levels of vibration occurred during disc harrowing operation, particularly when the disc harrow moved vertically or at an angle of 30° to the ploughing direction. For seed bed preparation, it is recommended to use tractors equipped with a suspension system for the operators cabin and a seat with an adjustable range of perceived vibration. Additionally, to prevent fatigue or health problems for tractor operators, it is advisable to limit permitted working hours to fewer than 8 hours per day. |
| STUDY OF THE KEY COMPONENT PARAMETERS OF THE WINGED CHISEL PLOW ON SOIL-STRAW DISTURBANCE PATTERN | Author : Kun CHEN, Xianliang WANG, Jiangtao JI, Xiangcai ZHANG, Xiupei CHENG, Hua ZHOU, Zhongcai WEI, Lei LIU, Mingyue BAI, Shang GAO | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Understanding the soil-straw disturbance pattern of the key component parameters of the straw mixing winged chisel plow is the key to designing and optimizing the straw mixing winged chisel plow (a chisel plow for mixing and mulching straw). In this study, a straw-soil-winged chisel plow interaction model was established, and the working principle, key components of the winged chisel plow were determined based on soil bin experiment and theoretical analysis. Discrete element method (DEM) was used to study the influence of disturbance pattern of key components of the winged chisel plow on soil-straw displacement, straw mixing rate and draught force. The results show that the main components of the winged chisel plow that affect the operating efficiency of the implement are the soil lifting plate height, the wing mounting height and the wing width. The height of the soil lifting plate affects the efficiency of the winged chisel plow in secondary disturbance of soil-straw and its own performance in turning over soil, with an optimal range of 110 mm-170 mm. The installation height of the wing mounting mainly affects the position of the soil lifting plate in the soil layer. In order to achieve the best operating effect, the position of the soil lifting plate needs to meet the "lower lifting and upper turning" requirement. The optimal installation height of the wing mounting is 95 mm-145 mm. The width of the wing mainly affects the working width of the implement, and its optimal value is 180 mm-220 mm. The width of the wing mainly affects the working width of the implement, and its optimal value is 180 mm-220 mm. The established simulation relative error is within 12.60%, which can better study the disturbance pattern of soil-straw. This study may provide a reference for optimizing and designing wing-type chisel plows and subsoil shovels. |
| INVESTIGATION OF THE ENERGY INDICATORS FOR THE SURFACE TREATMENT OF SOIL BY A HARROW WITH A SCREW-TYPE WORKING BODY | Author : Volodymyr BULGAKOV, Hryhorij KALETN?K, Oleksandra TROKHANIAK, Svitlana LUTKOVSKA, Mykola KLENDII, Semjons IVANOVS, Lucretia POPA, Vitalii YAROPUD | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Restoration of the soil fertility is an important task for scientists and practitioners. Based on the constructed mathematical model of the surface of a screw-type working body, rotating around a fixed horizontal axis, there are determined the work and power of penetration of the screw-type working body into the soil, loosening the soil and overcoming the soil friction. It has been established that the cutting power is proportional to the square root of deepening of the working body (?1/2), and the radius of the working body (R1/2) is directly proportional to the speed of the unit V. On the basis of a complex of experimental studies, regression dependencies were derived to determine the traction resistance when cultivating the soil with a harrow, equipped with screw-type working bodies. It has been found that the dominant impact upon the value of the traction resistance ?? is exerted by the depth of tillage h, then by the angle of attack ß of the battery of the screw-type working bodies, but the least impact is made by the change in the speed of the harrow V. The difference between the calculated and the experimental values of the traction resistance ranges from 9.6...11.2%. |
| USING STATISTICAL ANALYSIS TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF FEEDING PELLETS ON FISH DIETARY PREFERENCES IN AN INTENSIVE POLYCULTURE SYSTEM | Author : Iulian VOICEA, Petru CÂRDEI, Vlad-Nicolae ARSENOAIA, Nicoleta UNGUREANU, Florin NENCIU, Nicoleta VANGHELE | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The paper proposes a statistical method for assessing the impact of multiple nutritional recipes on fish growth, raised in polyculture systems, a useful tool in selecting diets within small and medium-sized farms. After designing an experimental installation that produces pelletized feed, the study investigated the associations dependent on the feeder composition for three fish species involved in the experiment (Cyprinus carpio, Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and Carassius carassius). The fish relative mass and size variations have been used as performance parameters. The authors also issued hypotheses on the relations created between the studied species and determined the Feed Conversion Ratio. |
| RESEARCH ON DETACHMENT PROCESS AND SEPARATION OF FROZEN SEA-BUCKTHORN FRUITS FROM BRANCHES | Author : Radu CIUPERCA, Ana ZAICA, Vasilica STEFAN, Petruta PETCU, Lucian DUMITRESCU, Oana CRISTEA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Following the bibliographic and theoretical research carried out by the specialists of INMA Bucharest Institute, as well as the experience of sea buckthorn producers and processors, the experimental model of a high-performance equipment for separating frozen sea buckthorn fruits from the harvested mass (branches, fruits and leaves) was designed and made. Thus, the subject of this paper is the experimental research carried out on an improved equipment for detaching and separating frozen sea buckthorn fruits from the branches - ESFC. After an introduction in which the current state in the field was highlighted, the tested equipment was presented with the main functional parameters, adjustments necessary to obtain an optimal working regime suitable for the processed raw material. Following the experiments carried out, the main working indices of the equipment were determined, among which: the working capacity, the degree of separation of the fruits from impurities as well as the optimal functional regimes. Following the tests carried out, in two variants of arrangement of the paddle arms on the separation rotor, some conclusions were formulated, the most eloquent of which was that, for the equipment tested in Variant II equipped with the separation rotor, the highest values for the feed flow resulted for the angle of inclination of the paddle of 450 and the rotation speed of the rotor of 90 min-1 and a high degree of separation. |
| DESIGN AND TEST OF HIGH-SPEED FERTILIZER POINT-APPLIED DEVICE | Author : Xin DU, Tong WANG, Shufa CHEN, Qixin SUN, Zhihao XU, Changqing LIU | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In order to improve the adaptability of the fertilizer point-applied device to the working speed, the key components of the high-speed fertilizer point-applied device were designed and simulated by numerical calculation in this study. The effects of working speed, discharging height and discharging mass on the distribution length of fertilizer particles were analyzed by a one-factor test, and a suitable range of factors was determined. The Box-Behnken test was conducted to investigate the interaction effect of the three factors on the distribution length of fertilizer particles, and the quadratic regression was fitted to the test results to establish the regression equations of working speed, discharging height and discharging mass on the distribution length of fertilizer particles, and the optimal combinations of the parameters of working speed, discharging height and discharging mass were obtained by solving the equations. Finally, the reliability and authenticity of the simulation analysis were verified by bench test. |
| CONSIDERATIONS REGARDING THE EFFECTS OF SHOCKS AND VIBRATIONS ON OPERATORS OF SELF-PROPELLED AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT | Author : Valentin VLADUT, Sorin-?tefan BIRIS, Gigel PARASCHIV, Nicoleta UNGUREANU, Sorin Tiberiu BUNGESCU, Iulian VOICEA, Dan CUJBESCU, Iuliana GAGEANU, Evelin LAZA, Lorena-Diana POPA, Gheorghe MATEI, Atanas ATANASOV | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Vibrations are part of the category of dynamic phenomena and are manifested in some medium as a consequence of an external excitation in the form of oscillations. These oscillations have negative effects on the medium in which they manifest. In the particular case where the medium is represented by the human body, the negative effects are felt at the level of its health, and the consequences are sometimes irreversible. In this context, it is necessary to study and know the effects that vibrations have on the human body. The main purpose of researches carried out in this field is to establish the limit up to which man can work in medium that generate vibrations, without the vibrations affecting his state of health. |
| STUDIES ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF A RELIABILITY DIAGNOSIS FOR AGRICULTURAL TRACTORS GEARBOXES | Author : Alexandru-Vlad HELLER, Nicolae FILIP, Teodora DEAC | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Faults and failures analyses consist of a very varied field of technique, so concepts and reliability indicators help us to determine the types of faults easier, their appearance in functioning and mathematical relations for determining the types of failures. Regarding to, the test stands help us to identify accelerated of noises, vibration and serious faults that occur in use and can lead to disposal of equipment, helping engineers quickly find the optimal solutions for most cases. Current methods used to determine agricultural tractors gearboxes reliability are those in open energy flow, they better simulate the real working conditions. We design a gearbox test stand for a rapid noise and vibration reliability diagnoses and tests. Considering the gearbox work conditions and its random possible failures, the stand will be equipped with transducers and a data acquisition system for data collection. |
| THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL PUBLIC PERCEPTION AND GREEN PRODUCT TRADE. THE MODERATING ROLE OF POLICIES AND LEGAL TEXT | Author : Guoli HAN, Shuming MA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :In todays increasingly accelerating globalization, environmental protection and sustainable development have become the focus of common concern for all countries. Public environmental awareness, that is, the publics understanding and attitude towards environmental issues, has a significant impact on environmental protection work. Meanwhile, with the rise of green product trade, the market trading of green products is becoming increasingly active. As one of the means to regulate the relationship between public environmental awareness and green product trade, the role of policies and legal texts is increasingly prominent. This article will explore the relationship between public environmental awareness and green product trade and analyze the regulatory role of policies and legal texts in it. This article explores the impact of trade and environmental policies on the financial system through computer software. It constructs a theoretical hypothesis model to explore the moderating effect of policy and legal texts on the relationship between public emotional perception of environmental policies and green product trade. After empirical testing, all research hypotheses in this study have been supported. The results showed that at a test level of 0.01, consumers perception of green efficacy, perceived green responsibility, green purchasing behavior, emotional arousal, and moderate values were significantly positively correlated. Among them, the R-value of perceived green efficiency and green purchasing behavior is 0.701, and the R-value of perceived green responsibility and green purchasing behavior is 0.638, indicating the degree of correlation between perceived green efficiency, perceived green responsibility, and green purchasing behavior. Green purchasing behavior is highly correlated. The conclusion indicates that the government has further increased export subsidies for the clean industry, implemented differentiated environmental tax policies, and emphasized the coordinated use of procedures, promoting the development of the clean industry and the upgrading of industrial structure. |
| ROMANIAN BIOMASS PELLET MARKET – TECHNO-ECONOMIC ANALYSIS | Author : Georgiana MOICEANU, Mirela - Nicoleta DINCA, Mihai CHI?OIU, Gigel PARASCHIV, Oana-Diana CRISTEA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :Biomass is currently the most widespread form of renewable energy, and its exploitation is constantly increasing due to concerns about the major impact of fossil fuel consumption, in terms of climate change, global warming and their negative impact on the human factor. Biomass can be transformed using modern technologies into solid, liquid, and gaseous fuels. One of the most widely used biomass biofuels is wood pellets. Pellets obtained from woody biomass represent a very successful renewable energy source, due to their characteristics that include high density, high calorific value, low moisture content, but also ease of storage and transport. Romanias biomass pellet industry has recorded significant growth due to the increasing demand for green energy. Investment in modern technology improves production efficiency and enhances competitiveness in international markets. However, fluctuations in raw material prices such as biomass transportation costs and moisture content often affect profit margins. Improving infrastructure and continued investment in research and development are crucial to strengthening Romanias position in the global renewable energy market. In this context, the purpose of the article is to present an analysis for Romanian pellet market industry. |
| EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH ON REED HARVESTING WITH “ERBA” ELECTRIC BOAT | Author : Vasilica ?TEFAN, Radu CIUPARCA, Emil TUDOR, Mihai MATACHE, Ionu? VASILE, Ion Catalin SBURLAN, Ana ZAICA | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The article presents the results obtained from experimental research conducted with an electric equipment (a watercraft) for harvesting aquatic biomass (reed, cattail, water lily, etc.), remote controlled, symbolized as ERBA. This equipment was designed and built in Romania by researchers from INMA Bucharest and ICPE-CA, at the level of experimental model. The purpose of this equipment is to develop a national system of machines for cleaning lakes, navigable canals, and specific areas of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve from excess biomass that needs to be removed for the proper functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The harvested biomass is used as raw material for the production of liquid and gaseous fuels, as well as biofertilizers, which can be utilized as inputs in the bioeconomy. The phenological characteristics of the harvested biomass, the structural and functional characteristics of the vessel, the laboratory experimental records, the nautical indices, the exploitation indices, and the energy consumption were measured under different working conditions and regimes, and with different types of biomass. |
| PARTICLE MOTION OF COATED CORN SEED ACCUMULATION PROCESS BASED ON DISCRETE ELEMENT METHOD | Author : Shihao WANG, Shouhao XIA, Yongxin CHEN, Chao LOU, Dinglin REN, Zhaodong LI | Abstract | Full Text | Abstract :The rolling friction coefficient was a fundamental parameter for particle modeling, but it was challenging to quantify for unevenly shaped corn seeds. If the rolling friction coefficients of corn with different guiding seeds and different shapes were not believed to be significantly different, direct simulation in EDEM would produce simulation distortion. This paper began by selecting three models with a relatively high proportion from five corn samples with various shapes (such as horse-tooth shape, spherical shape, oblate shape, and irregular shape, etc.) and modeling them according to the actual seeds. Due to the large disparity between seed models with different shapes, the study adopted the method of combining physical experiment and discrete element simulation, took the rolling friction coefficient as the independent variable and the angle of repose in the simulation test as the target value, and calibrated the rolling friction of various shapes of corn seed particles separately. Coated corn seeds rolling friction coefficients were accurately predicted (0.0047 for horse tooth, 0.0058 for pyramid, and 0.049 for spherical shape). During the validation test, the calibrated simulation parameters were entered into EDEM for simulation, and the distribution of seeds on the seed platter was compared between the actual test and the simulation test. The results demonstrated that the difference in the sizes of key features was less than 5.60 percent, and the population boundary in the seed platter after calibration was closer to the actual situation, which improved the accuracy of the simulation. |
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