Discharge rate consistency of each channel for UAV-based pneumatic granular fertilizer spreader
Keywords:
UAV, discharge rate, fertilizer spreader, DEM, CFDAbstract
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are widely being used to spread granular fertilizer in China. Granular fertilizer spreaders equipped with UAVs are mainly centrifugal disc-type and pneumatic. The multichannel pneumatic granular fertilizer spreaders (MPGFSs) have a banded fertilizer deposition distribution pattern, which are more suitable for variable rate fertilization than the circular deposition distribution pattern of disc-type granular fertilizer spreaders (DGFSs). However, the existing MPGFS has the disadvantage of inconsistent discharge rate of each channel, which affects the uniformity of fertilization. In order to explore the causes of inconsistent discharge rate of each channel, the discrete element method (DEM) and bench test were performed to analysis the discharge process of the fluted roller fertilizing apparatus and distribution of fertilizer in axial direction of fluted roller. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the airflow field of pneumatic system to analyze the influence of airflow on the movement of fertilizer particles. The simulation results of the discharge process of the fluted roller fertilizing apparatus showed that the filling velocity at the axial ends of the fluted roller fertilizing apparatus was lower than that of the middle. The reason was that the filling capacity was weak near the wall. The simulated results of the airflow field without partitions showed that the airflow provided by the axial flow fan was rotational, and this caused the particles to move irregularly in the throat, resulting in inconsistency discharge rate of each channel. Based on the analysis of reasons of inconsistent discharge rate of each channel, a MPGFS with partitions in the throat was developed. The discharge rate bench tests were carried out to optimize the partition spacing parameters, and fertilization test was performed to test the performance of the improved MPGFS. The discharge rate test results showed better consistency with partition. The coefficient of variation (CV) of the discharge rate of each channel was 20.16% without the partition and 7.70% with the optimal partition. The fertilizer spreading uniformity test results shown that the CV of spreading uniformity of MPGFS without partitions was 15.32%, and that MPGFS with partitions was 8.69%. The partitions design was beneficial to improve the consistency of each channel discharge rate and the uniformity of fertilization. The finding can provide a strong reference to design the MPGFS. Keywords: UAV, discharge rate, fertilizer spreader, DEM, CFD DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20231604.7129 Citation: Wang X W, Jiang R, Zhou Z Y, Song C C, Luo X W, Bao R F, et al. Discharge rate consistency of each channel for UAV-based pneumatic granular fertilizer spreader. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2023; 16(4): 20-28References
[1] Alameen A A, Al-Gaadi K A, Tola E. Development and performance evaluation of a control system for variable rate granular fertilizer application. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2019; 160: 31-39. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2019.03.011
[2] Qi X Y, Zhou Z Y, Lin S Y, Xu L. Design of fertilizer spraying device of pneumatic variable-rate fertilizer applicator for rice production. Transactions of the CSAM, 2018; 49(S1): 164-170. (in Chinese)
[3] Shi Y Y, Chen M, Wang X C, Morice O O, Li C G, Ding W M. Design and experiment of variable-rate fertilizer spreader with centrifugal distribution cover for rice paddy surface fertilization. Transactions of the CSAM, 2018; 49(3): 86-93. (in Chinese)
[4] Yang L W, Chen L S, Zhang J Y, Sun H, Liu H J, Li M Z. Test and analysis of uniformity of centrifugal disc spreading. Transactions of the CSAM, 2019; 50(S1): 108-114. (in Chinese)
[5] Zhang C H, Kovacs J M. The application of small unmanned aerial systems for precision agriculture: A review. Precision Agriculture, 2012;13(6): 693-712. doi:10.1007/s11119-012-9274-5
[6] Yang S L, Yang X B, Mo J Y. The application of unmanned aircraft systems to plant protection in China. Precision Agriculture, 2018; 19(2): 278-292. doi.org/10.1007/s11119-017-9516-7
[7] Zhou Z Y, Ming R, Zang Y, He X G, Luo X W, Lan Y B. Development status and countermeasures of agricultural aviation in China. Transactions of the CSAE, 2017; 33(20): 1-13. (in Chinese)
[8] Hassler S C, Baysal-Gurel F. Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology and applications in agriculture. Agronomy, 2019; 9(10): 618. doi: 10.3390/agronomy9100618
[9] Wan J J, Qi L J, Zhang H, Lu Z A, Zhou J R. Research status and development trend of UAV broadcast sowing technology in China. An ASABE Meeting Presentation, 2021.doi:org/10.13031/aim.202100017
[10] Li J Y, Lan Y B, Zhou Z Y, Zeng S, Huang C, Yao W X, et al. Design and test of operation parameters for rice air broadcasting by unmanned aerial vehicle. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2016; 5: 24-32.
[11] Wu Z J, Li M L, Lei X L, Wu Z Y, Jiang C K, Zhou L, et al. Simulation and parameter optimisation of a centrifugal rice seeding spreader for a UAV. Biosystems Engineering, 2020; 192: 275-293. doi:org/10.1016/j.bio systemseng.2020.02.004
[12] Ren W J, Wu Z Y, Li M L, Lei X L, Zhu S L, Chen Y. Design and Experiment of UAV Fertilization Spreader System for Rice. Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery, 2021; 52(3): 88-98.
[13] Brazelton R W. Dry materials distribution by aircraft. Transactions of the ASAE, 1968; 11(5): 635-641.
[14] Liu C H, Kang Q, Hu S R. Research on model test of aircraft spreader. Transactions of Journal of Jilin University, 1986; 4: 22-30. (in Chinese)
[15] Bansal R K, Walker J T, Gardisser D R. Computer simulation of urea particle acceleration in an aerial spreader. Transactions of the ASAE, 1998; 41(4): 951-957.
[16] Bansal R K, Walker J T, Gardisser D R, Grift T E. Validating FLUENT for the flow of granular materials in aerial spreaders. Transactions of the ASAE, 1998; 41(1): 29-35.
[17] Bansal R K, Walker J T, Gardisser D R. Simulation studies of urea deposition pattern from an aerial spreader. Transactions of the ASAE, 1998; 41(3): 537-544.
[18] Song C C, Zhou Z Y, Zang Y, Zhao L L, Yang W W, Luo X W, et al. Variable-rate control system for UAV-based granular fertilizer spreader. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2021; 180: 105832. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105832
[19] Song C C, Zhou Z Y, Jiang R, Luo X W, He X G, Ming R. Design and parameter optimization of pneumatic rice sowing device for unmanned aerial vehicle. Transactions of the CSAE, 2018; 34(6): 80-88. (in Chinese)
[20] Song C C, Zhou Z Y, Wang G B, Wang X W, Zang Y. Optimization of the groove wheel structural parameters of UAV-based fertilizer apparatus. Transactions of the CSAE, 2021; 37(22): 1-10. (in Chinese)
[21] Fulton J P, Shearer S A, Higgins S F, Hancock D W, Stombaugh T S. Distribution pattern variability of granular vrt applicators. Transactions of the ASAE, 2005; 48(6): 2053-2064.
[22] Song C C, Zang Y, Zhou Z Y, Luo X W, Zhao L L, Ming R, et al. Test and Comprehensive Evaluation for the Performance of UAV-Based Fertilizer Spreaders. IEEE Access, 2020; 8: 202153-202163.
[23] Sugirbay A M, Zhao J, Nukeshev S O, Chen J. Determination of pin-roller parameters and evaluation of the uniformity of granular fertilizer application metering devices in precision farming. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 2020; 179: 105835. doi:org/10.1016/j.compage.2020.105835
[24] Zeng S, Tan Y P, Wang Y, Luo X W, Yao L M, Huang D P, et al. Structural design and parameter determination for fluted-roller fertilizer applicator. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(2): 101-110.
[25] Sahin M, Habib K. Design and development of an electronic drive and control system for micro-granular fertilizer metering unit. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2019; 162: 921-930. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2019.05.048
[26] Zhang M H, Wang Z M, Luo X W, Dai Y Z, He X, Wang B L. Effect of double seed-filling chamber structure of combined type-hole metering device on filling properties. Transactions of the CSAE, 2018; 34(12): 8-15. (in Chinese)
[27] Liu J S, Gao C Q, Nie Y J, Yang B, Ge R Y, Xu Z H. Numerical simulation of Fertilizer Shunt-Plate with uniformity based on EDEM software. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2020; 178: 105737. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105737
[28] Sun J F, Chen H M, Duan J L, Liu Z, Zhu Q C. Mechanical properties of the grooved-wheel drilling particles under multivariate interaction influenced based on 3D printing and EDEM simulation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2020; 172: 105329.doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105329
[29] Shi Y Y, Chen M, Wang X C, Morice O O, Ding W M. Numerical simulation of spreading performance and distribution pattern of centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer applicator based on DEM software. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 2018; 144: 249-259.doi.org/10.1016/j.compage.2017.12.015
[30] Deng Y P, Mi B G, Zhang Y. Research on numerical calculation for aerodynamic characteristics analysis of ducted fan. Transactions of Journal of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 2018; 36(6): 1045-1051.(in Chinese)
[31] Fernández Oro J M, Pereiras García B, González J, Argüelles Díaz K M, Velarde-Suárez S. Numerical methodology for the assessment of relative and absolute deterministic flow structures in the analysis of impeller–tongue interactions for centrifugal fans. Computers & Fluids, 2013; 86: 310-325. doi.org/10.1016/j.compfluid.2013.07.014
[32] Ye X M, Ding X L, Zhang J K, Li C X. Numerical simulation of pressure pulsation and transient flow field in an axial flow fan. Energy (Oxford), 2017; 129: 185-200. doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.04.076
[33] Li C X, Lin Q, Ding X L, Ye X M. Performance, aeroacoustics and feature extraction of an axial flow fan with abnormal blade angle. Energy (Oxford), 2016; 103: 322-339. doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.147
[34] Gao L P, Chen H, Liao Q X, Zhang Q S, Li Y B, Liao Y T. Experiment on Fertilizing Performance of Dynamic Tilt Condition of Seeder with Deep Fertilizer for Rapeseed. Transactions of the CSAM, 2020; 51(S1): 64-72. (in Chinese)
[35] Coetzee C J, Lombard S G. Discrete element method modelling of a centrifugal fertiliser spreader. Biosystems Engineering, 2011; 109(4): 308-325. doi:10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2011.04.011
[36] ASAE. Calibration and Distribution Pattern Testing of Agricultural Aerial Application Equipment. ASAE Standard S386.2. 2013., 2013.
[37] Cool S R., Vangeyte J, Mertens K C., Nuyttens D R E, Sonck B R, Gucht T C V D, et al. Comparing different methods of using collecting trays to determine the spatial distribution of fertiliser particles. Biosystems Engineering, 2016; 150: 142-150.doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2016.08.001
[38] Zhan Y L, Chen P C, Xu W C, Chen S D, Han Y F, Lan Y B, et al. Influence of the downwash airflow distribution characteristics of a plant protection UAV on spray deposit distribution. Biosystems Engineering, 2022; 216: 32-45. doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2022.01.016
[39] Chen S D, Lan Y B, Zhou Z Y, Fan O Y, Wang G B, Huang X Y, et al. Effect of Droplet Size Parameters on Droplet Deposition and Drift of Aerial Spraying by Using Plant Protection UAV. Agronomy, 2020; 10(2): 195. doi:10.3390/agronomy10020195
[40] Cool S R, Pieters J G, Acker J V, Bulcke J V D, Mertens K C, Nuyttens D R E, et al. Determining the effect of wind on the ballistic flight of fertiliser particles. Biosystems Engineering, 2016; 151: 425-434. doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2016.10.011
[2] Qi X Y, Zhou Z Y, Lin S Y, Xu L. Design of fertilizer spraying device of pneumatic variable-rate fertilizer applicator for rice production. Transactions of the CSAM, 2018; 49(S1): 164-170. (in Chinese)
[3] Shi Y Y, Chen M, Wang X C, Morice O O, Li C G, Ding W M. Design and experiment of variable-rate fertilizer spreader with centrifugal distribution cover for rice paddy surface fertilization. Transactions of the CSAM, 2018; 49(3): 86-93. (in Chinese)
[4] Yang L W, Chen L S, Zhang J Y, Sun H, Liu H J, Li M Z. Test and analysis of uniformity of centrifugal disc spreading. Transactions of the CSAM, 2019; 50(S1): 108-114. (in Chinese)
[5] Zhang C H, Kovacs J M. The application of small unmanned aerial systems for precision agriculture: A review. Precision Agriculture, 2012;13(6): 693-712. doi:10.1007/s11119-012-9274-5
[6] Yang S L, Yang X B, Mo J Y. The application of unmanned aircraft systems to plant protection in China. Precision Agriculture, 2018; 19(2): 278-292. doi.org/10.1007/s11119-017-9516-7
[7] Zhou Z Y, Ming R, Zang Y, He X G, Luo X W, Lan Y B. Development status and countermeasures of agricultural aviation in China. Transactions of the CSAE, 2017; 33(20): 1-13. (in Chinese)
[8] Hassler S C, Baysal-Gurel F. Unmanned aircraft system (UAS) technology and applications in agriculture. Agronomy, 2019; 9(10): 618. doi: 10.3390/agronomy9100618
[9] Wan J J, Qi L J, Zhang H, Lu Z A, Zhou J R. Research status and development trend of UAV broadcast sowing technology in China. An ASABE Meeting Presentation, 2021.doi:org/10.13031/aim.202100017
[10] Li J Y, Lan Y B, Zhou Z Y, Zeng S, Huang C, Yao W X, et al. Design and test of operation parameters for rice air broadcasting by unmanned aerial vehicle. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2016; 5: 24-32.
[11] Wu Z J, Li M L, Lei X L, Wu Z Y, Jiang C K, Zhou L, et al. Simulation and parameter optimisation of a centrifugal rice seeding spreader for a UAV. Biosystems Engineering, 2020; 192: 275-293. doi:org/10.1016/j.bio systemseng.2020.02.004
[12] Ren W J, Wu Z Y, Li M L, Lei X L, Zhu S L, Chen Y. Design and Experiment of UAV Fertilization Spreader System for Rice. Transactions of the Chinese Society for Agricultural Machinery, 2021; 52(3): 88-98.
[13] Brazelton R W. Dry materials distribution by aircraft. Transactions of the ASAE, 1968; 11(5): 635-641.
[14] Liu C H, Kang Q, Hu S R. Research on model test of aircraft spreader. Transactions of Journal of Jilin University, 1986; 4: 22-30. (in Chinese)
[15] Bansal R K, Walker J T, Gardisser D R. Computer simulation of urea particle acceleration in an aerial spreader. Transactions of the ASAE, 1998; 41(4): 951-957.
[16] Bansal R K, Walker J T, Gardisser D R, Grift T E. Validating FLUENT for the flow of granular materials in aerial spreaders. Transactions of the ASAE, 1998; 41(1): 29-35.
[17] Bansal R K, Walker J T, Gardisser D R. Simulation studies of urea deposition pattern from an aerial spreader. Transactions of the ASAE, 1998; 41(3): 537-544.
[18] Song C C, Zhou Z Y, Zang Y, Zhao L L, Yang W W, Luo X W, et al. Variable-rate control system for UAV-based granular fertilizer spreader. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2021; 180: 105832. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105832
[19] Song C C, Zhou Z Y, Jiang R, Luo X W, He X G, Ming R. Design and parameter optimization of pneumatic rice sowing device for unmanned aerial vehicle. Transactions of the CSAE, 2018; 34(6): 80-88. (in Chinese)
[20] Song C C, Zhou Z Y, Wang G B, Wang X W, Zang Y. Optimization of the groove wheel structural parameters of UAV-based fertilizer apparatus. Transactions of the CSAE, 2021; 37(22): 1-10. (in Chinese)
[21] Fulton J P, Shearer S A, Higgins S F, Hancock D W, Stombaugh T S. Distribution pattern variability of granular vrt applicators. Transactions of the ASAE, 2005; 48(6): 2053-2064.
[22] Song C C, Zang Y, Zhou Z Y, Luo X W, Zhao L L, Ming R, et al. Test and Comprehensive Evaluation for the Performance of UAV-Based Fertilizer Spreaders. IEEE Access, 2020; 8: 202153-202163.
[23] Sugirbay A M, Zhao J, Nukeshev S O, Chen J. Determination of pin-roller parameters and evaluation of the uniformity of granular fertilizer application metering devices in precision farming. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 2020; 179: 105835. doi:org/10.1016/j.compage.2020.105835
[24] Zeng S, Tan Y P, Wang Y, Luo X W, Yao L M, Huang D P, et al. Structural design and parameter determination for fluted-roller fertilizer applicator. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2020; 13(2): 101-110.
[25] Sahin M, Habib K. Design and development of an electronic drive and control system for micro-granular fertilizer metering unit. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2019; 162: 921-930. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2019.05.048
[26] Zhang M H, Wang Z M, Luo X W, Dai Y Z, He X, Wang B L. Effect of double seed-filling chamber structure of combined type-hole metering device on filling properties. Transactions of the CSAE, 2018; 34(12): 8-15. (in Chinese)
[27] Liu J S, Gao C Q, Nie Y J, Yang B, Ge R Y, Xu Z H. Numerical simulation of Fertilizer Shunt-Plate with uniformity based on EDEM software. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2020; 178: 105737. doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105737
[28] Sun J F, Chen H M, Duan J L, Liu Z, Zhu Q C. Mechanical properties of the grooved-wheel drilling particles under multivariate interaction influenced based on 3D printing and EDEM simulation. Computers and Electronics in Agriculture, 2020; 172: 105329.doi.org/10.1016/j.compag.2020.105329
[29] Shi Y Y, Chen M, Wang X C, Morice O O, Ding W M. Numerical simulation of spreading performance and distribution pattern of centrifugal variable-rate fertilizer applicator based on DEM software. Computers and electronics in agriculture, 2018; 144: 249-259.doi.org/10.1016/j.compage.2017.12.015
[30] Deng Y P, Mi B G, Zhang Y. Research on numerical calculation for aerodynamic characteristics analysis of ducted fan. Transactions of Journal of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 2018; 36(6): 1045-1051.(in Chinese)
[31] Fernández Oro J M, Pereiras García B, González J, Argüelles Díaz K M, Velarde-Suárez S. Numerical methodology for the assessment of relative and absolute deterministic flow structures in the analysis of impeller–tongue interactions for centrifugal fans. Computers & Fluids, 2013; 86: 310-325. doi.org/10.1016/j.compfluid.2013.07.014
[32] Ye X M, Ding X L, Zhang J K, Li C X. Numerical simulation of pressure pulsation and transient flow field in an axial flow fan. Energy (Oxford), 2017; 129: 185-200. doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2017.04.076
[33] Li C X, Lin Q, Ding X L, Ye X M. Performance, aeroacoustics and feature extraction of an axial flow fan with abnormal blade angle. Energy (Oxford), 2016; 103: 322-339. doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2016.02.147
[34] Gao L P, Chen H, Liao Q X, Zhang Q S, Li Y B, Liao Y T. Experiment on Fertilizing Performance of Dynamic Tilt Condition of Seeder with Deep Fertilizer for Rapeseed. Transactions of the CSAM, 2020; 51(S1): 64-72. (in Chinese)
[35] Coetzee C J, Lombard S G. Discrete element method modelling of a centrifugal fertiliser spreader. Biosystems Engineering, 2011; 109(4): 308-325. doi:10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2011.04.011
[36] ASAE. Calibration and Distribution Pattern Testing of Agricultural Aerial Application Equipment. ASAE Standard S386.2. 2013., 2013.
[37] Cool S R., Vangeyte J, Mertens K C., Nuyttens D R E, Sonck B R, Gucht T C V D, et al. Comparing different methods of using collecting trays to determine the spatial distribution of fertiliser particles. Biosystems Engineering, 2016; 150: 142-150.doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2016.08.001
[38] Zhan Y L, Chen P C, Xu W C, Chen S D, Han Y F, Lan Y B, et al. Influence of the downwash airflow distribution characteristics of a plant protection UAV on spray deposit distribution. Biosystems Engineering, 2022; 216: 32-45. doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2022.01.016
[39] Chen S D, Lan Y B, Zhou Z Y, Fan O Y, Wang G B, Huang X Y, et al. Effect of Droplet Size Parameters on Droplet Deposition and Drift of Aerial Spraying by Using Plant Protection UAV. Agronomy, 2020; 10(2): 195. doi:10.3390/agronomy10020195
[40] Cool S R, Pieters J G, Acker J V, Bulcke J V D, Mertens K C, Nuyttens D R E, et al. Determining the effect of wind on the ballistic flight of fertiliser particles. Biosystems Engineering, 2016; 151: 425-434. doi.org/10.1016/j.biosystemseng.2016.10.011
Downloads
Published
2023-10-17
How to Cite
Wang, X., Jiang, R., Zhou, Z., Song, C., Luo, X., Bao, R., … Lin, J. (2023). Discharge rate consistency of each channel for UAV-based pneumatic granular fertilizer spreader. International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 16(4), 20–28. Retrieved from https://ijabe.migration.pkpps03.publicknowledgeproject.org/index.php/ijabe/article/view/7129
Issue
Section
Applied Science, Engineering and Technology
License
IJABE is an international peer reviewed open access journal, adopting Creative Commons Copyright Notices as follows.
Authors who publish with this journal agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgement of the work's authorship and initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgement of its initial publication in this journal.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
