INMATEH - Agricultural Engineering

19-28

Authors: Cristea, M.; Matache, M.; Sorică, C.; Biriş S.St.; Ungureanu N.; Cristea R.D.

In this article it is studied the behaviour of a rechargeable battery, which outputs a maximum power capacity of 17 kWh that's being used as the main source of the prototype electric tractor developed at INMA Bucharest. This tractor is equipped with 16 kW electric motor, 4 speed gearbox and 4x4 traction. The charging mode of the battery when it is supplied with different powers from the current source was studied, but also the power delivery mode when the tractor is in operation and different loads occur. The energy consumption of the battery has also been studied, from the moment when the tractor is put into operation, driving on flat asphalt or agricultural land, with or without load and also in extreme traction conditions, for ploughing or towing heavy loads.

39-48

Authors: He, Hong

The quality of tobacco baking is one of the important factors affecting the economic benefits of tobacco enterprises. Because of the low efficiency of traditional manual baking methods and the poor quality of tobacco, the economic benefits of tobacco enterprises and tobacco farmers are also greatly affected. In view of this, this research takes the temperature and humidity control as the research object, and proposes an agricultural intelligent tobacco house temperature and humidity controller based on STM32. Firstly, the general design scheme, hardware circuit design scheme and software design scheme of the control system are described, in which the human-machine interface circuit design of the hardware circuit design is emphatically analyzed, and finally, the design of this research is applied The agricultural intelligent temperature and humidity controller measures the temperature and humidity of the flue-cured tobacco house, and verifies the control effect. The results show that the temperature control accuracy based on STM32 is significantly higher than that of traditional control method, which is conducive to the improvement of tobacco baking quality. It is hoped that this study can provide certain reference and reference for the research of temperature and humidity control in tobacco industry in China.

55-68

Authors: Qin, Kuan; Liang, Xiaolong; Cao, Chengmao; Fang, Liangfei

Small, handheld furrow openers using rotary blades usually have limited power, making it necessary to minimise their operating power consumption, which mainly occurs with the soil throwing and movement of rotary blades. To this end, it is necessary to investigate the power consumption of such tillage implements, particularly the relationship between their power consumption and operating conditions based on soil movement patterns. In this study, we performed a field test of a furrow-opening rotary blade using round, physical tracers to monitor soil movement. The total power consumption of the rotary blade was positively related to the operating depth of the blade but was not related to the soil movement distance. The total power consumption peaked at 6.677 kW at a forward speed of 0.3 m/s, which was negatively related to the forward speed, but positively related to the soil movement distance. At a blade rotational speed of 340 rpm, the total power consumption peaked at 4.385 kW and was positively related to the blade rotational speed and soil movement distance. Therefore, it was concluded that by decreasing the rotary blade rotational speed and operating depth and increasing the forward speed, the power consumption of the unit working length can be reduced.

79-88

Authors: Pylypaka, Sergiy; Nesvidomin, Victor; Volina, Tatiana; Sirykh, Larysa; Ivashyna, Liudmyla

The particle relative motion on a spherical segment rotating about a vertical axis was considered in the article. The differential equations of the relative displacement of a particle were completed and solved by numerical methods. The relative and absolute trajectories of particle motion and graphs of relative and absolute velocity changes were constructed. The regularity of particle motion as it is lifted over the surface was found out. The conducted experimental research has confirmed the received theoretical results.

99-106

Authors: Bulgakov, V.; Ivanovs, S.; Nadykto, V.; Kaminskiy, V.; Shymko, L.; Kaletnik, H.

One of the tasks of using the black fallow in agricultural production is the weed control and the moisture conservation in the soil. Application of the most advanced soil cultivation technologies ensures preservation of no more than 75% of precipitations in the soil. To improve the state of this issue, we have developed a special machine for processing the black fallow. A mathematical model has been developed that describes the dynamics of the movement of the harrow section in a longitudinal-vertical plane, and its solution is given, which allows investigation of the impact of this or that design parameter upon the dynamics of the angle of rotation in time. The adequacy of the developed mathematical model is confirmed by special laboratory and field investigations of the created experimental machine. With rational design parameters the rotation angle of the harrow section in a longitudinal-vertical plane will not exceed – 3º, and the time of its exit to the equilibrium position will not exceed 16...17 s.

115-124

Authors: Wei, Liming; Wu, Yangyun; Ji, Nan; Li, Boheng; Guo, Xiujuan; Li, Bin

In order to enhance the utilization of solar energy in photovoltaic greenhouse, this paper takes the optimization strategy of photovoltaic array's maximum power point tracking algorithm as research object. According to the changing rule of the slope of photovoltaic array's output P-U curve, this paper proposes a new variable-step conductance increment method to track the maximum power point. When the working point is located on the left side of maximum power point, the logarithmic function value of curve’s slope is adopted as the voltage step to adjust the position of working point. When the working point is located on the right side of maximum power point, the exponential function value of curve’s slope is adopted as the voltage step to adjust the position of working point. Through the MPPT modelling and simulation in MATLAB/Simulink and the corresponding circuit test, the result shows that comparing with the traditional variable-step conductance increment method, the proposed algorithm can find the maximum power point faster, and it can effectively reduce the power loss caused by step oscillation in the searching process, which achieves the goal of enhancing conversion efficiency of photovoltaic power generation.

133-146

Authors: Dumitru, Oana-Mihaela; Iorga, Sorin; Vlădut, Nicolae-Valentin; Brăcăcescu, Carmen

The food waste and losses (FW) became one of the most impacting aspects in modern society. This review article presents an overview of various aspects linked to the phenomenon of food losses in primary cereal production and its consequences. From the analysis of reviewed specific literature, it resulted that the losses are found both in the harvesting process and in the post-harvest processes (conditioning, separation, sorting, chemical treatment, transport etc.) these representing the primary processing of agricultural products, especially seeds. The review focuses on the new technologies’ influence in reducing FW in harvesting and post-harvesting process, highlighting the contribution of agricultural engineering studies on this specific topic

155-164

Authors: Trokhaniak, V.I.; Rogovskii, I.L.; Titova, L.L.; Dziubata, Z.I.; Luzan, P.H.; Popyk, P.S.

Exposure and the outbreak of diseases result in significant losses in large scale poultry operation. New ventilation systems are necessary to provide safe and homogenous internal environment at large enterprises, especially under the changeable climatic conditions of global warming. Within the framework of this investigation, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of a side ventilation system in a poultry house during winter seasons has been conducted. As results, 3D temperature fields, current lines and pressures in a poultry house have been found. It has been determined that fresh air valves arranged at a height of 200 mm from flooring work better than those traditionally arranged at a height of 400 mm. The erection of walls on the inside of a poultry house framework as well as the decrease in the height of flooring improve poultry house aerodynamics.

173-180

Authors: Dudarev, Igor; Zabrodotska, Lyudmyla; Satsiuk, Vasyl; Taraymovich, Iryna; Olkhovskyi, Vasyl;

Different designs of separators are used for separating seeds. The principle of separator operation is based on various physical, mechanical and aerodynamic properties of seeds. Gravitational separators are promising because energy is not spent on separation process in this type of separators. A gravity-cascade separator was proposed, in which the separator sections are connected like “scissors”. The sieve length was theoretically justified, taking into account the condition for passing a small fraction of seeds into the sieve holes. The influence of sieves tilt angle and seed flow rate from hopper on the quality index of separation process was studied experimentally

191-200

Authors: Jin, Yujie

As a kind of intelligent agricultural equipment, picking robots are of great significance for improving the efficiency of agricultural production. However, the main bottleneck restricting the development of picking robots today is the positioning and control in image recognition. Therefore, an agricultural picking control method based on visual servo technology is proposed. This method can accurately control the picking hand of the picking robot on the basis of building an eye-hand relationship model and an online identification system. With the tomato picking process as the background, the effectiveness of the method was verified. The test results of image feature points show that there is a small error between the stable feature points and the expected image feature points. In addition, the image plane trajectory of the picking robot is relatively smooth, and there is no vibration or overshoot. In addition, from its density distribution characteristics, it can be seen that the picking hand movement is a continuous acceleration stage at the beginning of the control, and at the end of the control, the characteristic points gradually tend to the desired characteristics, and the output of the control system is relatively stable. It can be seen from this that the model has better control performance. This method has certain practical significance for the improvement of agricultural picking efficiency.

211-218

Authors: Tao, Zhang; Li, Yaoming; Xu, Lizhang; Qing, Yiren

In order to reduce the adhesion of moist threshed rape mixture and cleaning sieve, a method named “Hot-airflow Cleaning” has been proposed. Firstly, the key factors influencing anti-adhesion property were obtained based on the theoretical analysis. They were temperature, wind speed and fan inclination. Then, based on the single-factor experiments, the proper temperature of the fan was 30-50oC, the proper wind speed and inclination of the fan were 2-4 m/s and 15-45°, respectively. Finally, the fan’s parameters were optimized by Box-Behnken design. The results showed that the optimum technological parameters were temperature of 50 oC, a wind speed of 4 m/s and that fan inclination was 45°. This research could provide a reference for the improvement of cleaning system for rape combine harvesters.

229-238

Authors: Yang, Zhenyu; Chen, Zeqiu; Chen, Ken

With the development of communication technology and embedded technology, mobile intelligent terminals (mobile GIS) have become the key research direction of monitoring systems. In view of this, the study first constructed the structure frame of the agricultural monitoring system and the system mobile database, and designed the monitoring system terminal, combined with the .Net Compact Framework platform to implement the system functions, and finally the monitoring system based on GPS and GIS. The function of the system was tested. The results show that the system design of this study combines user needs’ analysis, system framework and functional module division. The system design function realizes the function of creating a database, the entry and collection of attribute data and graphic data; and the editing and browsing of map data and management functions; it realizes the processing of data and the output of results, and displays in the form of graphs or reports; it realizes the functional modules of the monitoring system. It is hoped that this research can provide a certain reference and reference for the application of mobile intelligent terminals in our country's agriculture.

249-258

Authors: Mircea, Costin; Nenciu, Florin; Vlǎdut, Valentin; Voicu, Gheorghe; Gageanu, Iuliana; Cujbescu, Dan

Rotary seed sorters used for wheat processing show some functional advantages in eliminating persistent contaminants, especially due to the more aggressive treatment applied to the processed material. The objective of this paper was to design a new constructive subassembly that would increase the performance of rotary sorters used for extracting various contaminants from seeds. By testing a pilot stand that reproduces the operation of a professional equipment and developing mathematical models that fits the main operating parameters, it was possible to identify the new characteristics needed to improve cylindrical sieves and to optimize the functioning of this equipment.

269-276

Authors: Vladutoiu, L.; Grigore, I. A.; Sorica, E.; Petrea, A.A.; Cristea, O.D.; Dumitru, I.;

The paper presents the interaction system within soil working mechanical process, consisting of two elements, namely the soil and the tool metal, between which there is a relative movement at the level of the interface between the two elements. Research has shown that there are at least two main forces acting on the active parts: friction and impact, the action of these forces causing wear. In order to test the soil working knives under laboratory conditions, a test stand was used to test different types of soil working knives by modifying their functional parameters, respectively the working depth, knife angle relative to the soil, lateral angle relative to the forward direction, working speed and, if necessary, granulation and moisture of the test medium respectively.

289-298

Authors: Junming, Hou; Hongjie, Zhu; Li, Jinpeng; Yao, Enchao; Weixue, Hu

The shelling stress of the castor capsule is difficult to obtain by experiments, which is vital for the design of the key components for the shelling machine. The stress analysis of the shelling process of the castor capsule is carried out. In this study, the typical variety castor Tongbi 11 is taken as the research object, and the model of castor shelling is established. The stress and rate of shelling removal of the inner drum are analysed. The effects of size optimization on the shelling results were analysed. The shelling machine was designed for the experiment. In the condition of the highest rate of shelling, the size of the outer drum is maintained, and the inner drum angle is 4.5. The length of the drum is 605mm. At this time, the shelling rate is 96.42 %, which is 0.39 % different from the fitting value. This study provides theoretical support for the design and parameter optimization of the castor shelling machine and its key components.

309-317

Authors: Bu, LingXin; Chen, ChengKun; Hu, GuangRui; Zhou, JianGuo; Sugirbay, Adilet; Chen, Jun

In recent years, apple harvesters have become a research hotspot. Interaction control between the robot end-effector and the fruit is crucial to reduce mechanical damage to the fruit and achieve high picking performance. In this article, the damage degree was also quantified using a damage factor based on the damage plasticity model. A flexible three-finger end-effector was designed based on the Fin-Ray effect, and finite element models were established in ABAQUS to simulate the cortex damage during grasping. The results showed that the maximum von Mises stress was 0.159 MPa for the apple skin, 0.082 MPa for the cortex, and 4.178 N for the contact force, respectively. The result of the verification test showed that the maximum contact force was 4.572 N, and the relative error between the simulation and experimental results was 8.62%. Simulation and verification tests showed that the flexible three-finger end-effector achieved non-destructive grasping of apples.

325-333

Authors: Ipate, George; Constantin, Gabriel Alexandru; Biris, Sorin Ștefan; Voicu, Gheorghe; Rusanescu, Carmen Otilia, Stefan, Vasilica

The purpose of this paper is the numerical study of the effects of the fluid interaction with the blades of the working bodies of the renewable energy conversion systems. The paper presents the results of numerical research regarding the influence of the blade shape (straight), the number of blades (2, 3, 4) or the wind speed in the area on the output power of the small capacity wind turbines. The validation of the simulation data was performed by comparison with the experimental data obtained on a Windtrainer Junior laboratory wind energy system. Computed power coefficients are in good agreement with the experimental results. Increasing the efficiency of energy conversion for small wind turbines for their implementation in green farms represents a significant step in the concept of sustainable rural development.

341-350

Authors: Wang, Di; He, Changbin; Tian, Haiqing; Liu, Fei; Zhang, Tao; Zhang, Hongqi

Low productivity and high electricity consumption are considered problems of the hammer mill, which is widely used in current feed production. In this paper, the mechanical properties of corn grain ground by a hammer mill were analysed, and the key factors affecting the performance of the hammer mill were determined. The single-factor experiment and three-factor, three-level quadratic regression orthogonal experiment were carried out with the spindle speed, corn grain moisture content and number of hammers as experimental factors and the productivity and electricity consumption per ton as evaluation indexes. The results showed that the order of influence on the productivity was spindle speed > corn grain moisture content > number of hammers and that the order of influence on the electricity consumption per ton was corn grain moisture content > spindle speed > number of hammers. The parameters were optimized based on the response surface method with the following results: the spindle speed was 4306 r/min, the corn grain moisture content was 10%, and the number of hammers was 24. The validation experiment was carried out with the optimal parameters’ combination. The productivity and electricity consumption per ton were 988.12 kg/h and 5.37 kW·h/t, respectively, which were consistent with the predicted results of the model.

361-368

Authors: Yaheliuk, Svitlana; Didukh, Volodymyr; Busnyuk, Vitally; Boyko Galina; Shubalyi, Oleksandr

Currently, the use of secondary agricultural raw material is a topical issue. There are various applications of agricultural crop residues possible, but they are finance- and energy-consuming. Burning crop residues is very harmful for the environment. One of the ways to solve the problem is the production of solid biofuel that can be used to heat buildings. The authors suggest producing solid biofuel in the form of small-sized fuel rolls / pellets (SFR), which are made of oleaginous flax residues. As a result of the conducted experimental investigations, the authors have proved the efficiency and the environmental safety of SFR consumption. The new fuel can be recommended if the requirement of efficient and ecologically safe combustion is met. Thus, the influence of small-sized fuel rolls’ properties on the process of their combustion as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis of the combustion gases from burning solid fuel made of oleaginous flax residues have been investigated. The paper presents the results proving that SFR combustion is the most efficient on condition of providing reduced moisture (10-12%) and reasonable density (80 kg/m3) in the process of pellet production. In addition, it has been determined that there is a significant reduction of harmful CO emissions and normalization of СО2 concentration. The application of the suggested solid biofuel can make it possible to solve the problem of using oleaginous flax residues and provide cheap fuel for household purposes.

379-388

Authors: Chirita, Alexandru-Polifron; Blejan, Marian; Popescu, Teodor-Costinel; Popescu, Ana-Maria

This article presents and analyses in two cases the dynamic performance of regulation and control of the linear speed of an electro-hydraulically driven mechatronic axis. In the first case, the flow control is performed with a proportional hydraulic directional control valve, while in the second case the control is performed with a servo-valve. The linear mechatronic axis is part of a complex subsystem used in both agriculture and industry that allows the precise winding of a hose / cable on a drum with the help of a spooling device, which conditions the positioning of the hose. The speed control of the hydraulic cylinder with bilateral rod on whose liner the spooling device is fixed is performed in a closed loop with the help of transducers and a programmable controller (PLC).

17-24

Authors: Golub, Genadii; Kukharets, Savelii; Čėsna, Jonas; Skydan, Oleh; Yarosh, Yaroslav; Kukharets, Mykolai

The article suggests that the rate of plant biomass gas generation is proportional to the amount of plant biomass, which can still be gasified. To analyse the change in fuel mass during the operation of the gasifier for a certain period of time, three models can be used with the following assumptions: the change in fuel mass is inversely proportional to the fuel mass and time, the change in fuel mass is inversely proportional to the fuel mass, the change in fuel mass is inversely proportional to time. The coefficients of the fuel gasification rate are experimentally found

35-40

Authors: Shang, Qingqing; Wang, Bin; Yang, Jiawei; Yizhi, Lu; Yin, Tongming

This paper attempts to design a universal, easy-to-use pruning tool suitable for taller branches. For this purpose, the author proposed an omni-directional electric pruning saw. The saw has a 360° rotatable head, which can prune branches in all directions. Under the saw blade, a V-shaped groove was added so that the branches can be introduced, cut and released stably. A telescopic rod was included in the design to prune branches at different heights. To facilitate the retraction and release of wire, a winding reel was provided to make the wire change with the length of the rod. In addition, there is a deadlock device at the handle, which prevents the manmade safety hazards. The proposed pruning saw was tested through an experiment. The results show that the saw could be used for various branches and was 4 times more efficient than the traditional hand saw.

49-58

Authors: He, Changbin; You, Yong; Wang, Decheng; Wu, Hongjian; Ye, Bingnan;

Unclear soil layer coupling failure characteristics on natural grassland impeded the design and optimization of appropriate tillage tools. The coupling failure characteristics including surface disturbance and profile, disturbed cross-section area, soil over-turning rate, and coupling forces between the soil layer of natural grassland and selected passive subsoiler-type openers were investigated in this paper. Three single-shoot openers (i.e. CO, AO and WAO) and a test unit were designed, and furrow opening experiments under different working depths were conducted. Results showed that, along the passages, U-shaped disturbed cross-sections were usually created with soil-root clods overturned along the furrows. The roots were usually broken in a pulling or dragging way underground. Both disturbed cross-section area and draft force values increased with the working depth increasing linearly (R2≥0.93), contrary to the tendency of the specific draft force with the depth. Winged opener (i.e. WAO) had larger draft forces and disturbed soil layer cross-section areas than no-winged openers (i.e. AO and CO). The soil layer failure processes of the natural grassland were affected by its composite soil layer structure and the geometry parameters of the openers. The results provide original references for designing novel furrow openers applicable to improve degraded natural grassland.

71-76

Authors: Gumentyk, M.Ya.; Chernysky, V.V.; Gumentyk, V.M.; Kharytonov, M.M.

Different quality adaptive reactions of the "Cave-in-rock" and "Morozko" varieties were found in terms of productivity parameters depending on the method of sowing seeds, the presence of a marker crop and the conditions of vegetation periods. The highest yield of switchgrass for both varieties was for the second and third terms of sowing (first and second decades of May). The method of sowing switchgrass seeds with a row spacing of 45 cm with white mustard as marker crop must be used for effective weed control. Ukrainian variety "Morozko" is a more adapted variety for the conditions of the forest-Steppe of Ukraine.

87-96

Authors: Junming, Hou; Yong, Yang; Hongjie, Zhu; Weixue,Hu

Castor is an important oil crop. Impact damage is critical in the process of castor capsule shelling, directly affecting the shelling effect of castor seeds. An experiment was taken to investigate it. To study the damage degree of castor capsule under the impact, water content, impact height, and impact angle were taken as test factors, and the maximum impact force and normal deformation were taken as test indexes. The combination optimization was carried out through the multi-objective genetic algorithm. The results show that the impact height has a significant effect on the maximum deformation (p<=0.01), and the water content and impact angle have a significant impact on the impact force (p<=0.05). The height and angle have a significant impact on the deformation (p<=0.01), and the water content has a significant impact on the deformation (p<=0.05).

105-114

Authors: Deng, Weigang; Wang, Chunguang; Xie, Shengshi

To analyse the influence factors of impact peak force (IPF) and damage depth (DD) on potatoes, the orthogonal test and single factor test were carried out on two potato varieties. The results showed that the IPF of Xiabodi was smaller and DD was greater than those of Gaoyuanhong. Potato mass had the greatest effect on IPF, and that of drop height on DD. The equations between IPF, DD and potato mass, drop height were obtained. Both IPF and DD impacting with steel were the largest, and the smallest with steel- rubber. With the increase of impact times, IPF decreased first and then increased, and DD increased gradually

127-134

Authors: Suvac, Albert; Stefan, Vasilica; Alionte, Cristian-Gabriel; Ungureanu, Liviu-Marian

Ecological transport systems must be provided with efficient vibration damping systems for the comfort and safety of the user. This paper analyses a shock absorption system that can be used in an individual three-wheeled transport vehicle. The vehicle has a complex structure, with an equal size of the front and rear wheels. This uniformity of dimensions between the rear and front wheels makes it easier to travel on rough terrain and manoeuvre in a folded shape. The tricycle allows aggregation with different agricultural equipment and can be used in small farms, greenhouses, solariums, meadows, orchards, etc. In this paper we simulate several models of absorption systems with different construction parameters. The strength of the system and the efficiency of shock absorption were taken into account. The best result of the simulation test for absorption systems will be the comparison with the actual physical model used by the electric vehicle.

143-150

Authors: Zhang, Yanqing; Cui, Qingliang; Li, Hongbo; Zhang, Zhiyong; He, Yongqiang; Sun, Deng

In order to find the variations of mechanical properties of millet stalk during dynamic cutting, a three-dimensional model of cutting parts and a double-layer flexible model of millet stalk were established in this study. The mechanical cutting properties of millet stalk at different cutting speeds and blade oblique angles were investigated based on ANSYS/LS-DYNA, while the verification tests were carried out based on the self-made cutting test bench. Simulation results showed that the maximum Von Mises stress was concentrated on the contact point of the stalk and the moving blade. The maximum Von Mises stress of stalk during extrusion, cutting, and after cutting were 60.03 MPa, 60.72 MPa, and 39.87 MPa, respectively, and the cutting energy of stalk epidermal tissue was greater than that of inner tissue. The cutting stress and the unit area cutting energy decreased first and changed steadily as cutting speed was increased when the cutting speed was 0.5-1.5 m/s. When the blade oblique angle was 0°-48°, the cutting stress decreased as the blade oblique angle was increased, while the unit area cutting energy decreased first and then increased. Verification tests showed that the cutting speed and the blade oblique angle had significant effects on the cutting mechanical properties (P < 0.05), which was consistent with the simulation test results. Research results can be used to optimize the cutting parameters of millet stalk

165-174

Authors: Rogovskii, I.L.; Titova, L.L.; Trokhaniak, V.I.; Marinina, L.I.; Lavrinenko, O.T.; Bannyi, O.O.

The article analyses the universalization of the seed material by its physical and mechanical properties by means of pre-sowing treatment, resulting in the formation of an artificial shell. As a result of the generalization, a technological scheme of obtaining an encapsulated seed and a design of a seed coating machine was proposed. A simulation model of the sowing accuracy process from the internal friction coefficient of seeds at different root mean square deviations of seed sizes is proposed. The regression equation for the influence of the dynamic mode of operation of the developed experimental sample of seed coating machine is established. According to the experimental studies’ results, the static and dynamic friction coefficients of the encapsulated vegetable seeds on the steel and plastic working surfaces of seed coating machine were established. Under the production conditions, experimental tests were conducted to compare the seedlings of untreated, coated, branded and encapsulated seeds of vegetables by the quality of prepared seed material and sowing time.

183-192

Authors: Snezhkin, Yu.F.; Paziuk, V.M.; Petrova, Zh.O.; Tokarchuk, O.A.

For a more accurate study of the kinetics of the barley seeds drying, a convective drying stand with a computerized system of data acquisition and processing on the change in the mass and temperature of the sample from the drying time was used. The kinetic curves of the drying process under the action of three factors were constructed: the temperature of the coolant, heating medium movement rate and the initial moisture content of the seeds. Studies were also conducted and the germination of barley seeds under the action of these factors was analysed. Studies have shown that all factors affect the kinetics of the drying process, but the greatest influence on the germination of seed material comes from the influence of the temperature of the coolant. A three-factor effect on the germination of barley seeds on the 7th day of germination is presented, that indicates the need for low-temperature drying at a coolant temperature of 50°C. In order to increase the intensification and energy efficiency of the drying process, the proposed two-stage drying mode is 65/50°C, which provides intensive heating and evaporation of moisture from the material at the initial stage of the process. Studies on the germination of barley seeds in a two-stage mode showed that the specified drying mode provides a high germination rate of the material up to 99%, an intensity of 83% and an energy efficiency of 62% compared to a rational single-stage drying mode of 50°C and can be recommended for drying barley seeds.

199-208

Authors: Dmytriv, V.T.; Dmytriv, I.V.; Horodetskyy, I.M. ; Yatsunskyi, P.P.;

The basic principles of adaptation of machine milking technical system to the physiology of milk ejection of cows are considered. Main adaptation parameters and conditions of the technical system are grounded, under these parameters and conditions the self-tuning of technical system is possible. The structure of modules of adaptive cyber-physical control system of machine milking is developed, its functionalities are revealed, the method of coordination between discreteness of measurement of information and the quantization period is developed to ensure maximum reliability of the information. The memory size of the operational information about the process parameters is justified, as well as their structure and functional content. Functional content and structure of information about the technological process of the database is formulated. The general view of the main elements of the adaptive cyber-physical system of cows milking is given, as well as the results of work of the experimental adaptive cyber-physical system of the milk production.

217-224

Authors: Grigorev, Igor; Shadrin, Anatoly; Voronova, Anna; Kostyukevich, Nikolay; Levushkin, Dmitry; Borisov, Vyacheslav; Diev, Roman

The paper presents a novel approach to the problem of utilizing wood chips as a valuable raw material. It shows how advances in machine vision can enable the conversion of wood chips from waste to a valuable resource. Empirical dependencies that are used to calculate the slip velocity of wood chips on the walls of the tank have been obtained. The problems of particle–fluid and particle–particle interactions within the flow are solved. Findings may be applied not only in countries with traditionally developed wood industries but also in many others.

233-240

Authors: Constantin, G.A.; Voicu, Gh.; Olac, B.; Ilie, F.; Paraschiv, G.; Stefan, V.; Musuroi, G.

The paper presents the way to perform a static analysis with finite elements for the working part of a subsoiler, together with its results. The analysis was made for two different working regimes: a regime in which the working depth of the subsoiler is 0.3 m, and the speed of advance of the aggregate during the work is 2.777 m/s and one in which the working depth is 0.4 m, and the speed of advance is 2.222 m/s. The results of this paper are addressed first of all to the designers of agricultural machines for soil tillage, but not only.

251-262

Authors: Wang, Bin; He, Junlin; Zhang, Shujuan; Li, Lili

Soluble solids content (SSC) is one of the most important quality attributes affecting the taste and maturity of fresh fruit. In this study, with the cerasus humilis fruit as the research object, a prediction model of soluble solid content (SSC) in cerasus humilis (CH) is established based on visible / near-infrared spectroscopy to explore a nondestructive testing method of the interior quality of CH. The visible / near-infrared spectral info (350-2500nm) of 160 CHs was collected to extract the reflection spectrum, establishing the linear model (PLSR) and non-linear model (LS-SVM) of CH’s spectral info and SSC. The prediction performance and stability of the model were justified using several statistical indicators namely correlation coefficient of the prediction set (Rp), the root mean square error of the prediction set (RMSEP), and the residual predictive deviation (RPD) index. Results showed that multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) was proved to be the best preprocessing method, UVE-CARS was the optimal method of dimension reduction, the quantities of characteristic wavelengths was 10 and the optimal model was UVE-CARS-PLSR, in which Rc is 0.8995, Rp is 0.8579, RMSEC is 0.8897, RMSEP is 0.9059, and RPD is 1.8766, indicating that the redundant data of the original spectrum can be reduced, the wavelength dimensions can be reduced, valid info can be retained and data processing can be simplified as UVE-CARS extracts characteristic wavelengths. Reference and theoretical basis are provided in this research for future research and development of portable detector and online sorting detection of CH internal quality.

273-280

Authors: Guo, Yubing; Zhang, Xiaogang; Zhang, Chong

Based on the problem of insufficient coordination of integrated machinery and technique configuration in the exploration of dry farming regions, a method of two-period comparative test was carried out in Shanxi Province, China. Zones of the effects of different treatments on straw coverage, soil moisture, emergence rate, seedling condition, yield, and benefit were monitored and analysed. The result was that the coverage before sowing decreased to below 55% after surface harrowing or rotary tillage in autumn by using dry farming technology in Northern China. The average number of emerging seedlings through surface tillage was larger than that without surface tillage by 1.7 plants/5 m; emergency rate was increased by 8.37%, and the increase in amplitude of grain yield reached 28% compared with that of traditional farming. Moreover, the input–output ratio reached 1:4.41. The experiments showed that the net income could reach RMB 1,251–1,401/hm2, and compared with traditional farming, operating cost was lowered by 23.1%–28.8%, and benefit was elevated by 48.8% with prominent cost saving and benefit increase. The study results will facilitate the improvement of water-saving and production-increasing technologies in Northern China and play a critical role in the development of agricultural cultivation and steady growth of agricultural output in this region.

293-304

Authors: Li, Shougen; Wang, Yaxiong; Chen, Chongchong; Kang, Feng; Li, Wenbin

At present, the theory of precision pesticide application in agriculture and forestry has some shortcomings. Therefore, the Phase Doppler Interferometer (PDI) was used to establish the atomization model of three common brands (Lechler, Teejet and Feizhuo) flat fan nozzles in near fog field (0.3-0.5m) at low pressure (0.20-0.30mPa). The results show that the average absolute errors of droplet velocity of three brands of nozzles are 0.629, 0.521 and 0.684 m/s respectively, and the relative errors are 9.22, 9.60 and 11.89%, respectively. The average absolute errors of theoretical data of droplet size are 17.821, 13.801 and 22.140 μ m, and the relative errors are 8.40, 5.82 and 11.67%, respectively. The experimental theoretical model has high reliability. In addition, the results show that the droplet velocity and particle size increase with the increase of the equivalent diameter of the nozzle outlet. With the increase of spray angle, droplet velocity and particle size decrease gradually, and the rate of velocity decrease gradually. The research results are of great significance to further analyse the atomization characteristics of flat fan nozzle and guide the precise application of pesticide.

315-322

Authors: Wang, Di; He, Changbin; Wang, Haiqing; Liu, Fei; Tian, Haiqing; Ma, Liang

The performance of a hammer mill is affected by the formation of a circulation layer. In this paper, an airfoil-triangle sieve was designed to destroy the circulation layer and improve the performance of the hammer mill. To determine the optimal design parameters of the airfoil-triangle sieve, three-factor and three-level tests were carried out by using the productivity and output per kW•h as the evaluation indexes and the airfoil camber, angle of attack and isosceles angle as the influencing factors. The order of the influences on the productivity was airfoil camber>angle of attack>isosceles angle. The order of the influences on the output per kW•h was angle of attack>airfoil camber>isosceles angle. The optimum combination after parameter optimization was determined to be as follows: airfoil camber of 0.15, angle of attack of 10° and isosceles angle of 113°. A test was carried out with to the optimum parameter combination. The results showed that the productivity and output per kW•h were 1101.56 kg/h and 188.97 kg/kW•h, respectively, which were consistent with the predicted results. The regression model was reliable.

339-349

Authors: Tokarchuk, D.M.; Pryshliak, N.V.; Tokarchuk, O.A.; Mazur, K.V.

The use of biogas is one of the ways to supplement and partially replace traditional fuels in rural areas. The feasibility of farms’ energy supply from their own energy source and the need to reduce harmful emissions into the environment make the biogas plant an indispensable element of modern livestock complexes. The article considers the possibility of using biogas for energy supply of an agricultural enterprise. The schemes and design capabilities of biogas plant for small and medium size farms are considered. The list and volume of products that can be obtained from the operation of the biogas plant have been determined. Economic indicators of the use of animal manure for biogas production have been determined. A comparison of the cost-effectiveness of using biogas energy products has been conducted.

29-36

Authors: Hud, Victor; Rogatynsky, Roman; Hevko, Ivan; Lyashuk, Oleg; Pіk, Andriy; Huryk, Oleg

The article presents the results of resonant oscillations theoretical research of the telescopic screw - granular material system caused by external periodic forces. In the theoretical part a mathematical model of bending vibrations of an elastic body is described, which rotates along a fixed axis with a constant angular velocity, provided that it moves with a constant relative linear velocity along the elastic body. In the experimental part, according to the obtained equations, it has been established for the various kinematic characteristics of the system, a telescopic screw-granular media of amplitude passing through resonance at the frequency of external periodic perturbation.The results of experimental research and recommendations for the selection of constructive kinematic for telescopic screw conveyor have been presented.

45-52

Authors: Rogovskii; Ivan; Titova, Luidmyla; Trokhaniak, Viktor; Haponenko, Oleksandr; Ohiienko, Mykola; Kulik, Vasyl

The roller for seeds of different sizes, a variable-size pneumatic cylinder precision seed metering device was designed, which could realize the precision seeding of different diameter seeds without changing the roller. The structure and working principle of seed metering device were explained, and the structural parameters of the main components of the seed meter were determined. The ANSYS was used to analyse the influence of the size of the negative pressure inlet pipe and the shape of the eyelet on the airflow velocity in a negative pressure chamber. Based on the above optimal structure, the orthogonal experiment of seed metering device was carried out. Testing results showed: under the negative pressure of 4 kPa, roller speed of 16.93r/min and the wind speed of 11.48m/s, the seed metering device had the best seeding effect. The qualification rate of the seed metering device was 92.37%, the miss-seeding rate was 3.74% and the over-seeding rate was 3.88%.

61-70

Authors: Bulan, Ramayanty; Devianti; Ayu, Ega Septi; Sitorus, Agustami

The physical and mechanical properties of fresh arecanut fruit have not been comprehensively and thoroughly investigated scientifically yet. This made the researchers and engineers not to be precise in designing the fresh arecanut handling machine. Thus, the present study was aimed to investigate some engineering properties of arecanut fruit in three moisture viz. 67.66%, w.b. (underripe stages), 64.86%, w.b. (ripe stages), and 33.90%, w.b. (overripe stages). In general, the results of the study show that the geometric and arithmetic mean diameter, surface area, bulk and true density, porosity, angle of repose, compression force and static coefficient of friction at different surfaces (stainless steel, plywood, and glass) of arecanut fruit were found to increase 2.16%, 2.70%, 4.26%, 0.02%, 42.16%, 42.41%, 9.97%, 17.04%, 20.30%, and 22.04% respectively at decrease of moisture content from 67.66%, w.b. to 33.90%, w.b. However, sphericity, aspect ratio, thousand fruit mass, and bulk density of the arecanut fruit were found to decrease 2.31%, 3.31%, 34.54%, and, 50.24%, respectively at a decrease of moisture content from 67.66% (w.b.) to 33.90% (w.b.). Some engineering properties of arecanut fruit indicate something slightly different from the arecanut kernels so that this data can help the researcher or engineer to design the fresh arecanut fruit handling machine more precisely.

79-88

Authors: Hidayat, Dadang Dayat; Sudaryanto, Arie; Kurniawan, Yose Rizal; Indriati, Ashri; Sagita, Diang

The roller for seeds of different sizes, a variable-size pneumatic cylinder precision seed metering device was designed, which could realize the precision seeding of different diameter seeds without changing the roller. The structure and working principle of seed metering device were explained, and the structural parameters of the main components of the seed meter were determined. The ANSYS was used to analyse the influence of the size of the negative pressure inlet pipe and the shape of the eyelet on the airflow velocity in a negative pressure chamber. Based on the above optimal structure, the orthogonal experiment of seed metering device was carried out. Testing results showed: under the negative pressure of 4 kPa, roller speed of 16.93r/min and the wind speed of 11.48m/s, the seed metering device had the best seeding effect. The qualification rate of the seed metering device was 92.37%, the miss-seeding rate was 3.74% and the over-seeding rate was 3.88%.

107-114

Authors: A.S., Dorokhov; A.G., Aksenov; A.V., Sibirev; N.V., Sazonov

One feature of harvesting seed onions is that the impurities of the onion-soil pile coming from the digging executive devices to the separating executive devices contain soil lumps that are similar in size with the seed onion bulbs and hard to separate at the slotted (bar elevators, screens) executive devices (M. Tauseef Asghar, 2014). This problem is most urgent when collecting seed onions from the rolls, because together with the bulbs the separating executive devices receive the soil layer loosened by the digging executive devices during the first phase of harvesting seed onions, the fractional composition core of which is soil lumps similar to bulbs and hardly separable on slotted executive devices. This circumstance is explained by the fact that after the soil layer is undercut together with the saleable produce, a significant amount of soil lumps, hardly separable on the separating executive devices and causing damage to root crops and bulbs during their interaction, arrives to the separating executive device. In addition, separation of soil lumps on slotted executive devices (bar conveyors and screens) occurs according to dimensional properties and this does not solve the existing problem – separation of soil lumps comparable in size with seed onion bulbs. Consequently, to ensure qualitative indicators of harvesting seed onions, namely, the separation completeness of the bulbs from soil impurities, it is necessary to ensure a reduction or complete elimination of the flow of soil lumps to the separating executive devices at the second harvesting phase.

123-128

Authors: Matache, M.G.; Cristea, M.; Găgeanu, I.; Zapciu, A.; Tudor, E.; Carpus, E.; Popa, L.D.

Taking into consideration the current trend to mitigate the agriculture’s negative impact on the environment, this implies using new technologies and equipment for performing agricultural works. Currently, the most used equipment in agriculture is the agricultural tractor with heat engine. One alternative is represented by electric motors, usually powered by batteries. The main advantage for the environment is that zero emissions are released into the atmosphere during agricultural works. Another advantage consists of the nominal torque which could be sustained from almost zero revolutions of the electric motors resulting in lower loads on the batteries with a proper mechanical transmission. Ploughing represents the agricultural work which exploits most of the performances of an agricultural tractor, in terms of fuel consumption and engine wear. Within this paper are presented the tests performed on an electric tractor during ploughing works, at different depths and with different working speeds, in order to assess its autonomy and efficiency with a single battery charge. The electrical parameters of the tractor were recorded during tests, as well as the tractor draft force. The results were used to establish the optimal working regime of the electric tractor during ploughing works.

137-146

Authors: Вerezovsky, Yu.; Kuzmina, T.; Lialina, N.; Yedynovych, M.; Lobov, O.;

The paper is devoted to solving problems related to developing scientific bases for resource-saving technologies in bast crops complex processing. The work contains theoretical and experimental research in processing flax and hemp raw materials. The work objective is to find ways to improve the production conditions for processing bast fibre plants and to solve the problems of ameliorating the qualitative and quantitative bast fibre characteristics by improving the technological features of stem material processing and structural design application to the joint connections of the devices for processing bast-fibre raw materials. The paper also analyses current trends in the flax and hemp processing industry development, investigates the technical and technological features of processing bast-fibre crop stems and assesses the directions for increasing their processing efficiency.

155-162

Authors: Elnemr, Moataz

A field experiment was conducted with the purpose of testing and evaluating the use of a closed-loop, real-time control system which was developed by (Elnemr M.K., 2017) for application to a poor hydraulic performance drip irrigation system with sandy loam soil cultivated with cucumber crop. This control system collects soil moisture data through three sensors distributed along each third of the lateral. The control system was based on calculating the average soil moisture content (MC) of the three readings and using it as an indicator to start or stop irrigation process according to the requirements of the plant. The control system will start the pump after the depletion of allowed MC percentage of available water which is one of the required inputs to operate the control system. The irrigation process continues until reaching the field capacity (FC) value. The study compared two management methods for the irrigation system. First one was using the proposed control system (Aum) and the other one was manual operation based on calculating water requirement from climatic data (Clm). Using the proposed control system led to increase cucumber crop production by 23.8% of Clm productivity. The control system led to save water and seasonal irrigation time. This led to increase water productivity and energy use efficiency of Aum if compared to Clm by 41.71% and 110% respectively. Despite the added cost to the irrigation system because of the control system, the benefit/cost ratio for Aum was higher by 24.39% due to the decrease in energy and labour costs in addition to the increase in crop production. The study recommended using the researched control system with drip irrigation systems which show poor hydraulic performance to reduce negative effects on crop production and to reach more efficient use for both water and energy with keeping the opportunity to increase benefit/cost ratio. Further studies should be done on the system with drip irrigation system that work under acceptable ranges of hydraulic performance. Also, further studies should be done to investigate the most effective and suitable distribution of the sensors along lateral.

173-182

Authors: Wang, Jiawei; Li, Zhiwei; Hussain, Saddam; Lu, Qi; Song, Haiyan; Zheng, Decong

In order to study the distribution of buckwheat threshing outputs, on the self-designed internal and external rotary roller buckwheat threshing device test bench, the feeding amount was 0.5 kg/s, the internal roller speed was 380 r/min, and the external roller speed was +50 r/min (same direction as the internal roller), 0 r/min and -50 r/min (reverse direction compared to the internal roller) for threshing test. By analysing the overall condition of the threshing outputs, the content of each component in the threshing outputs, and the axial distribution of the threshing roller, it was found that the receiving box below the rasp bar roller mainly contained grains and chaff, leaves and petals, and the receiving box below the spike tooth roller mainly contained short stalks. Under the three conditions, the proportion of chaff in the threshing outputs was 40-45%, the proportion of leaves and petals was 23-29%, the proportion of grains was 13-19%, the proportion of short stalks was 14-16%. Grains, chaff, leaves and petals were mainly concentrated at the front, and short stalks were mainly distributed at the rear of the threshing roller, providing a theoretical basis for the design of the cleaning system.

193-200

Authors: Stoica, Dorel; Voicu, Gheorghe; Popa, Lucreţia; Constantin, Gabriel; Tudor, Paula

The objective of this paper is to present the efficiency of the separation process on a sieve with a conical separation surface, with a vertical shaft and having vibrational motion. Separation intensity curves of rape seeds through circular sieve apertures were drawn by regression analysis of the quantities of material separated at different distances from the central axis of the sieve, using the Gaussian distribution law. The coefficients of the regression equation and the correlation coefficient of the distribution function with experimental data show a high degree of correlation between them. The movement of the material on the sieve and the separation process, in general, was assessed by the position of the distribution curve maximum, depending on the material flow rate.

211-220

Authors: Feng, Huimin; Gao, Nana; Li, You; Fu, Weiqiang; Guo, Yuming

To improve the fertilization accuracy and distribution uniformity of nitrogen fertilizer, control method of working parameters coordinate match was proposed in this paper. Take minimum coefficient of variation as criterion, the nearly-optimal set of exposure length and rotational speed was solved based on regression models with known values of target fertilizer amount and operating speed, the interfaces were built to rapidly calculate related parameters. The static and dynamic experiments were conducted to verify the reliability and accuracy of regression models and control method; the results showed that under static conditions, the biggest difference value of fertilizer amount is 0.22g per revolution; under dynamic conditions, the deviation of fertilizer amount is less than 4.01%, the maximum deviation of rotational speed is 2.74%. Those results indicate that the control method is practical and feasible for fertilization operation.

233-240

Authors: Ichwana, Ichwana; Nasution, Zulkifli, Arip Munawar, Agus

Groundwater quality in agricultural area is highly affected by human activities. To determine groundwater quality, several methods are widely applied. Yet, most of them are based on standard laboratory analysis which is normally time consuming, expensive, and involve chemical materials from which may cause another environmental pollution. Thus, a rapid, effective and simple alternative method is required to assess groundwater quality. Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy (FT-NIRS) is considered to be employed due to its advantages. The main purpose of the present study, is to evaluate the feasibility of FT-NIRS technology in assessing groundwater quality parameters: total dissolved solids (TDS) and Sulfate concentration (SC). Transmission spectra data were acquired for groundwater samples from 8 different wells in wavelength range from 1000 to 2500 nm. Spectra data were corrected by multiplicative signal correction (MSC), while TDS and SC prediction models were established by using partial least squares regression (PLSR) and validated by full cross validation method. Obtained results showed that FTIR is able to detect and predict TDS and SC rapidly. Achieved maximum correlation coefficient (r) and RPD index were 0.86; 1.82 for TDS and 0.83; 1.76 for SC prediction respectively. It may be concluded that FT-NIRS combined with proper multivariate approach, can be used to assess groundwater quality parameters rapidly and simultaneously.

253-260

Authors: Gao, Qiang; Lu, Zhixiong; Xue, Jinlin; Gao, Huisong

This paper proposed a structural design scheme of the hydraulic device of the electro-hydraulic controlled hitch system of a YM554A horticultural tractor with hydraulic device model, and the designed hydraulic device was simulated and tested to verify its performance. Results show that the motion of hydraulic actuator is stable with good response for tillage depth control, while the maximum lifting force of 10.62kN and the static settlement value of 13mm all meet the standard requirements. And the oil pressure changes rapidly with a large fluctuation with the plough position changed from transportation state to tillage state, but it quickly stabilizes, and as the tillage depth becomes larger, the oil pressure drops but remains basically stable with the maximum oil pressure change of 0.35MPa.

269-274

Authors: Milko, D.O.; Sclyar, O.H.; Sclyar, R.V.; Pedchenкo, G.P.; Zhuravel, D.P.; Bratishko, V.V.

In modern manufacturing of livestock production, the outstanding value is allocated for a food supply. The main criterion for evaluating the quality of feed components is the nutrient content of the feed ration. However, in the process of the storage, the maintenance of the nutritious substances decreases for various reasons that are leading to decreasing livestock efficiency and increasing the cost. The results of the use of a two-phase compaction of the forage vegetable components on the example of the alfalfa are given in the article. The dependence coefficient of the nutritional preservation on density of the alfalfa put on storage are also presented in this article. The applied method and the results obtained can be used in the development and design offices to create new equipment based on the two-phase compaction of the fodder vegetable component mixes by preparing them for storage. The application of this method brings to decreasing losses of nutrients in the storage process which reduces the components cost in total with increasing additional weights and the milk productivity.

287-294

Authors: Dumitrescu, C.; Rădoi, R.; Cristescu, C.; Dumitrescu, L.

The article presents an experimental model of a modular structure system for the production of thermal energy and the results of conducting specific tests. The experimental model uses two renewable energy sources - solar energy and energy generated by burning biomass - to provide thermal energy for an increased duration, regardless of the atmospheric factors. Properly sized, the system can be designed as a series product, in a variety of powers, to be used by heat suppliers, and also by individuals, especially the ones from remote areas, who want to ensure their thermal energy independence by using renewable energy.

303-310

Authors: Kehayov, Dimitar; Atanasov, Atanas

An approach to modeling herbicide installation for the treatment of peach plantations is proposed. The height of the stem was determined for 4 varieties of peaches. Considering this parameter, the maximum height of the herbicide system and the nozzles on it are indicated. Simulated modelling of the sprayed fluid along the working width of each nozzle was performed. The irregularity of spraying was determined depending on the distance between the nozzles. On the basis of the analysis, the optimal parameters of the spreader system were determined: height - 0.35 m, distance between the spreaders - 0.40 m.