Sprayer Axial Fan Layout Affecting Energy Consumption and Carbon Emissions

Sabina Failla, Carlo Bisaglia, Giampaolo Schillaci, Domenico Longo and Elio Romano
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Sabina Failla: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanisation, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Carlo Bisaglia: Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’Economia Agraria—Centro di ricerca in Ingegneria e Trasformazioni agroalimentari, Via Milano 43, 24047 Treviglio, Bergamo, Italy
Giampaolo Schillaci: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanisation, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Domenico Longo: Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), Section of Mechanics and Mechanisation, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 100, 95123 Catania, Italy
Elio Romano: Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’analisi dell’Economia Agraria—Centro di ricerca in Ingegneria e Trasformazioni agroalimentari, Via Milano 43, 24047 Treviglio, Bergamo, Italy

Resources, 2020, vol. 9, issue 11, 1-13

Abstract: Agricultural practices that make use of variable-rate (VR) distribution, introduced by precision agriculture (PA), are based on many points of variability which obtain different and modular effects that can affect the efficacy and environmental impact of the treatment performed. The aim of the present research was to study the effect of different structural combinations of an agricultural sprayer on the required power, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions. The studied machine was equipped with a mechanical device that regulated the air outlet section in three openings. The fan was tested in five blade angles and in two gear ratios. The power requirement (kW) was calculated using a torque-meter. Moreover, fuel consumption (L h −1 ), energy demand (MJ L −1 ), and carbon emissions (kg CO 2 eq kg −1 ) were calculated by the power consumption of each test. The results showed that all components of the layout and their interaction influenced consumption and, consequently, emissions. In order to mitigate the environmental impact of treatments, the outcomes suggest the possibility of implementing this study into algorithms that make setup choices during distribution.

Keywords: agricultural sprayer; plant protection treatments; energy savings; greenhouse gases; orchards (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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