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Collaborative project: Development of an agricultural silo compactor with online density measurement and driver information system – Subproject 1
Project
Project code: 2815403510
Contract period: 01.02.2012
- 31.03.2015
Budget: 209,616 Euro
Purpose of research: Experimental development
The goal of this project is to improve the compaction of chopped material for the purpose of silo storage. This will be realised following a number of sub goals: 1. the establishment of a complete silo density measuring system, 2. the creation of a corrected silo compaction model with accurate weighting of the factors, 3. the implementation of the model in an optimized silo compactor and 4. the development of a demonstrator for a driver information system with online density measurement. The sub-goals are based upon another. After the installation of a laser scanner and crops scales as a complete silo density measuring system, series of tests during the grass and corn harvest in 2012 in Fehrbellin are planned. The results are analyzed statistically to weight the factors and to create a new and improved silo compaction model. Even quality assessments of the silage after opening the silos will be implemented into the model. Based on the new factor weightings an optimized silo compactor will be constructed from mid 2012 to mid 2014. Even in the harvest in 2012 test series for indirectly measuring of chopped material density by distance sensors are planned. The depth of penetration of the compactor as an auxiliary quantity is measured. Hardware and software of a signal-processing demonstrator will be developed from 2013 and will be tested in practice in 2014.
The works served improved measurement methods of silo density and optimization of compaction. Silos were measured using a laser scanner. The stored crop was weighed, its dry matter content determined and travel times of vehicles on the silo were totalled. On average, the measured grass silos had a density of 741 kg/m³ and 236 kg DM/m³. Crops were compacted 1.19 min/t. The surface settling during ensiling was 8.7% of the original height. The feed value described by nutrient content, fermentation quality and microbial status was satisfactory. Furthermore, a driver information system for silo compactors was developed. The sinking depth of the vehicle measured by IR distance sensors served as an auxiliary variable. Both the number of crossings of the last layer and the sinking depth are displayed to the driver. A 12-t-vibratory roller was adapted to the conditions in the silo. Improved dust protection and optimization of gradeability proved to be positive, while the dual mounting on the rear axle and a three-point hitch for the mounting of distributing units were not convincing.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering Plant Production
- Animal nutrition
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Institute of Agricultural and Urban Ecological Projects (IASP)
