scholarly journals Hybrid-Powered Autonomous Robots for Reducing Both Fuel Consumption and Pollution in Precision Agriculture Tasks

Author(s):  
Mariano Gonzalez-de-Soto ◽  
Luis Emmi ◽  
Pablo Gonzalez-de-Santos
Resources ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 136
Author(s):  
Sabina Failla ◽  
Carlo Bisaglia ◽  
Giampaolo Schillaci ◽  
Domenico Longo ◽  
Elio Romano

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 CO2eq 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.


Smart agriculture plays a vital role in counties economy and development. Automation in the field of agriculture has led to the usage of autonomous robots for many field applications. In this scenario, remote monitoring of various field parameters are highly imperative for increased productivity. In order to demonstrate the usage of robots in agriculture, environmental monitoring robot was designed in this work. The first part was designed to collect soil moisture and temperature data from farm land and secondly to aggregate the data from the sensors. Finally, the data from the sensors will stored in the cloud for further processing and decision making for controlling actuator part. Overall system can increase the crop productivity and reduce the wastage of resources


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-11
Author(s):  
Marina Efthymiou ◽  
Frank Fichert ◽  
Olaf Lantzsch

Abstract. The paper examines the workload perceived by air traffic control officers (ATCOs) and pilots during continuous descent operations (CDOs), applying closed- and open-path procedures. CDOs reduce fuel consumption and noise emissions. Therefore, they are supported by airports as well as airlines. However, their use often depends on pilots asking for CDOs and controllers giving approval and directions. An adapted NASA Total Load Index (TLX) was used to measure the workload perception of ATCOs and pilots when applying CDOs at selected European airports. The main finding is that ATCOs’ workload increased when giving both closed- and open-path CDOs, which may have a negative impact on their willingness to apply CDOs. The main problem reported by pilots was insufficient distance-to-go information provided by ATCOs. The workload change is important when considering the use of CDOs.


Author(s):  
О. Д. Донець ◽  
В. П. Іщук

The basic results of calculation and research works carried out in the process of creation of power unit of regional passenger airplanes’ family are given. The design features of the propulsion engines and engine of the auxiliary power plant are described. The aforementioned propulsion system includes propulsion engines D-436-148 and engine AI-450-MS of auxiliary power plant. In order to comply with the requirements of Section 4 of the ICAO standard (noise reduction of the aircraft in site), in part of ensuring the noise reduction of engines, when creating the power plant of the An-148/An-158 aircraft family, a single- and double-layer acoustic filler was used in the structure of the engine nacelle and air intake. The use of electronic system for automatic control of propulsion engines such as FADEC and its integration into the digital airborne aircraft complex ensured the operation of engines, included in the power plant provided with high specific fuel consumption, as well as increased the level of automation of the power plant control and monitoring, and ensured aircraft automation landing in ICAO category 3A. In addition, the use of the aforementioned electronic system, allowed to operate the power plant of the aircraft in accordance with technical status. The use of the AI-450-MS auxiliary power plant with an electronic control system such as FADEC, and the drive of the service compressor from a free turbine, eliminated the effect of changes in power and air takeoff, on the deviation of the engine from optimal mode, which also minimized the fuel consumption. The use of fuel metering system TIS-158, allowed to ensure control of its condition and assemblies, without the use of auxiliary devices, built-in control means. In the fire protection system, the use of the electronic control and monitor unit, as well as the use of digital serial code for the exchange of information between the elements of the system and the aircraft systems, has reduced the number of connections, which increased the reliability of the system and reduced its weight characteristics.


2020 ◽  
pp. 637-656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Medici ◽  
Søren Marcus Pedersen ◽  
Giacomo Carli ◽  
Maria Rita Tagliaventi

The purpose of this study is to analyse the environmental benefits of precision agriculture technology adoption obtained from the mitigation of negative environmental impacts of agricultural inputs in modern farming. Our literature review of the environmental benefits related to the adoption of precision agriculture solutions is aimed at raising farmers' and other stakeholders' awareness of the actual environmental impacts from this set of new technologies. Existing studies were categorised according to the environmental impacts of different agricultural activities: nitrogen application, lime application, pesticide application, manure application and herbicide application. Our findings highlighted the effects of the reduction of input application rates and the consequent impacts on climate, soil, water and biodiversity. Policy makers can benefit from the outcomes of this study developing an understanding of the environmental impact of precision agriculture in order to promote and support initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture.


Author(s):  
N.S. Mustafa ◽  
N.H.A. Ngadiman ◽  
M.A. Abas ◽  
M.Y. Noordin

Fuel price crisis has caused people to demand a car that is having a low fuel consumption without compromising the engine performance. Designing a naturally aspirated engine which can enhance engine performance and fuel efficiency requires optimisation processes on air intake system components. Hence, this study intends to carry out the optimisation process on the air intake system and airbox geometry. The parameters that have high influence on the design of an airbox geometry was determined by using AVL Boost software which simulated the automobile engine. The optimisation of the parameters was done by using Design Expert which adopted the Box-Behnken analysis technique. The result that was obtained from the study are optimised diameter of inlet/snorkel, volume of airbox, diameter of throttle body and length of intake runner are 81.07 mm, 1.04 L, 44.63 mm and 425 mm, respectively. By using these parameters values, the maximum engine performance and minimum fuel consumption are 93.3732 Nm and 21.3695×10-4 kg/s, respectively. This study has fully accomplished its aim to determine the significant parameters that influenced the performance of airbox and optimised the parameters so that a high engine performance and fuel efficiency can be produced. The success of this study can contribute to a better design of an airbox.


Author(s):  
Petar Kazakov ◽  
Atanas Iliev ◽  
Emil Marinov

Over the decades, more attention has been paid to emissions from the means of transport and the use of different fuels and combustion fuels for the operation of internal combustion engines than on fuel consumption. This, in turn, enables research into products that are said to reduce fuel consumption. The report summarizes four studies of fuel-related innovation products. The studies covered by this report are conducted with diesel fuel and usually contain diesel fuel and three additives for it. Manufacturers of additives are based on already existing studies showing a 10-30% reduction in fuel consumption. Comparative experimental studies related to the use of commercially available diesel fuel with and without the use of additives have been performed in laboratory conditions. The studies were carried out on a stationary diesel engine СМД-17КН equipped with brake КИ1368В. Repeated results were recorded, but they did not confirm the significant positive effect of additives on specific fuel consumption. In some cases, the factors affecting errors in this type of research on the effectiveness of fuel additives for commercial purposes are considered. The reasons for the positive effects of such use of additives in certain engine operating modes are also clarified.


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