Optimization of Agricultural Processes: The Use of Frequency Control
In large agricultural enterprises, the issues of optimization, automation, and mechanization of technological processes remain relevant. Numerous factors influence the profitability of companies and the cost of their products. Here are some of them:
- Increased labor intensity of operations;
- Significant distances between plots;
- The need to reduce water, electricity, and gas consumption;
- The necessity to increase productivity;
- The impact of climate.
Frequency Control as an Effective Means
Among several options for smooth speed control of electric motor shafts, the most reliable and functional is the so-called frequency control. It is carried out by supplying power voltage of the required frequency to the motor input, allowing for the smooth adjustment of the torque and rotational speed from zero to maximum values. Special devices—frequency converters—are included in the system to create the power voltage from the grid.
Frequency control is used in all mechanisms where an electric motor operates, regardless of parameters, input voltage power, load characteristics, and motor type.
Grain Cleaning Machines and Their Functions
The task of grain cleaning machines is to remove unnecessary impurities from the bulk mass collected by the combine and to calibrate the grain by size and quality. Differences in size, density, and weight of individual elements of bulk mixtures are taken into account during the operation of grain cleaning machines.
The collected uncalibrated and uncleaned grain is fed onto an air stream. Under the influence of the flow, the components of the mixture are deflected at different angles horizontally due to differences in mass and size and are directed into separate receiving bins for large grain, smaller grains, and light waste.
The Role of the Air Blower
The main element of such a system is the air blower, whose electric motor drives a powerful fan. To ensure that different fractions enter the corresponding bins, the speed and high accuracy of the air flow are maintained throughout the operation of the installation. The use of a frequency converter provides the necessary precision in adjusting the operating mode of the motor in the fan based on sensor readings.
A sensor for the speed of air flows can be placed at the outlet of the air ducts. It is connected to the corresponding outputs of the frequency converter, which changes the characteristics of the output voltage.
Automation of Processes
It is possible to install sensors to monitor the degree of loading of the bins, which ensures the automatic shutdown of the installation when the upper bin is emptied or when one of the lower bins is filled, as well as in case of other deviations in the working cycle, providing a signal to the operator.
Since there is no need for regular monitoring of the installation's status, the loading of bins, or the monitoring of the grain cleaning and sorting process, the workload on personnel is reduced, allowing remote control of multiple installations simultaneously.