2017 SMoSys
Contribution to efficient resource use and competitive agriculture
The condition of the chopper knives has a significant influence on fuel consumption and chop quality in forage harvesters. Optimum selection of the grinding intervals and the duration of the individual grinding processes can minimize fuel consumption and material removal from the knives and grinding set, and ultimately also machine downtimes. At the same time, optimum chaff quality is guaranteed. The grinding assistance system to be developed here detects the current knife sharpness. Depending on the current harvesting conditions and the current knife condition, it indicates the driver when and with what intensity the next grinding process should take place.
The system consists of structure-borne sound sensors applied to the counter blade, including corresponding signal lines to the driver's cab, evaluation electronics and a display unit for the driver. In order to reach practical maturity, further development and optimization of the system as well as validation under various conditions is necessary.
In addition to the overall project planning and management, the FG Agricultural Engineering of the University of Kassel is primarily responsible for the acoustic measurement and evaluation technology, as well as the computer-aided image analysis of the chopped material.
Partners
Deutsche Innovationspartnerschaft Agrar (DIP)
Landwirtschaftliche Rentenbank