Targeting optimal power consumption: Optimizing operational parameters for orchard furrowing and fertilizing machine.

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Engineering
• Soil Mechanics
• Robotics

Background:

• Excessive power consumption is a significant issue in orchard furrowing operations.
• Optimizing furrowing parameters is crucial for enhancing machine efficiency and reducing energy waste.

Purpose of the Study:

• To optimize the operating parameters of orchard furrowing fertilizer machines to minimize power consumption.
• To investigate the impact of key parameters on furrowing performance and energy efficiency.

Main Methods:

• Discrete element simulations were employed to analyze soil granule kinematics and establish a mathematical model.
• A comprehensive quadratic orthogonal rotation regression experiment was conducted to assess power consumption, furrowing depth stability, and soil cover percentage.
• Optimization analysis was performed to determine the ideal combination of furrowing depth, forward propulsion velocity, and furrowing blade rotation speed.

Main Results:

• The study identified optimal operating parameters: 275 mm furrowing depth, 785 m/h forward propulsion velocity, and 190 r/min furrowing blade rotation speed.
• These parameters resulted in a furrowing power consumption of 2.39 kW, a soil cover percentage of 69.06%, and a furrowing depth stability coefficient of 95.08%.
• The achieved results align with the operational requirements for effective orchard furrowing.

Conclusions:

• The optimized parameters significantly reduce power consumption while maintaining satisfactory furrowing depth stability and soil cover.
• The findings provide valuable guidance for the structural design of orchard furrowing equipment and the management of operational parameters.