Optimization of Spectral Composition and Energy Economy Effectiveness of Phyto-Irradiators With Use of Digital Technologies

It is known that in the case of technology use of the supplementary lighting, an irradiation spectral composition heavily influences the effectiveness of the photosynthesis processes, development and productivity of vegetable crops. Hence, the definition of general points at development and projecting of modern phyto-irradiators is one of high-priority tasks in techniques development for plants growing in conditions of protected ground. The research is aimed at reviewing and assessing the effectiveness of existing sources of illumination used in modern systems of supplementary lighting and at deduction of general points of development and projecting of phyto-irradiators based on results of laboratory investigations with the use of modern digital technologies of monitoring and data analysis. The results of the comparative tests of light emitting diodes-based phyto-irradiators showed that the energy consumption per product kilogram is less than in the case of LED-irradiators. Based on the research results, general points were deducted for use at development of modern LED-phyto-irradiators.

Performance Improvement Study of Linear Photovoltaic Systems With Concentration of Solar Radiation

A new type of linear cooled photodetectors is considered, of which in the focal region of the optical concentrator mirrors is installed an array of solar cells operating with the low-ratio solar concentration. This work is focused on the theoretical and experimental substantiation of the efficiency increase of photodetectors under conditions of an optimal combination between solar radiation concentration and heat transfer intensity of photovoltaic cells with heat carriers. The problem of obtaining a high temperature liquid due to the limitations of solar cells is solved by organizing the flow of fluid within the thermal collector channels in the focal region of an additional optical concentrator. A mathematical model of engineering characteristic calculation of the Ʌ - shaped photodetectors and cost calculation of electrical and thermal energy generation is presented. The research results are used in the development of industrial prototypes of photodetectors with a concentration of solar radiation and low production costs.

Milk Pasteurization and Characterization Using Mono-Mode Microwave Reactor and Slotted Coaxial Antenna

Mono-mode microwave reactors are usually used to heat substances, especially food. This is because heating using a microwave reactor can sustain the flavor, color, and nutrition of the food. Furthermore, this heating technique is cost-effective and time-saving compared to a conventional heating method. The mono-mode reactor is able to determine the absorption of microwave power accurately on the heated substance versus a multimode reactor. In this chapter, a simple and precise mono-mode microwave reactor is designed and developed especially for research laboratories. The advantage of this reactor is to provide a more accurate calibration process, in order to improve the optimum energy use in the heating process, as well as the temperature of the specimen. The reactor can generate output power from 30 watts to 1500 watts, operating at 2.45±0.03 GHz and capable of accommodating a specimen volume of 780 cm3. Pure water is used as a heated specimen to demonstrate the performance and efficiency of this reactor.

Theoretical and Experimental Evaluation of Impact on Soil by Wheel Drives of the Self-Propelled Seeder

Dedicated vertical axial loads on the soil from the wheels of a self-propelled seed drill, the area of the contact patch, the maximum contact pressure for the front and rear wheels and the density of the soil are determined by evaluations and experimental methods. The discrepancy between the theoretical and experimental indicators was: 1.4% and 2.0% for the rear and front wheels in vertical axial loads; 2.8% and 2.2% for the rear and front wheels by the contact area of the tires of the seeder with the soil and the maximum contact pressure; 6.2% – the maximum discrepancy on the values of soil density at a depth of 7.6 cm. Soil hardness was measured in three zones: before the seeder's passage and after each of its passage in a rut behind the front and rear wheels at six different depths, determined by the marks on the soil densimeter tester density. Graphics of dependencies of soil hardness on the depth of measurement were constructed.

The Study of Luminescence Spectra of Seeds of Crop Species for Diagnostic Quality

In this chapter, optical luminescent biological objects diagnostics methods and biotissues are considered. According to the previously developed method, excitation and photoluminescence spectra agricultural plants seeds, including cereals, legumes, fodder, technical, and vegetable, were measured. The typical excitation spectrum lies in the range of 355-500 nm and has two maxima: the main one at 424 nm and the side one at 485 nm. The luminescence spectrum lies in the range of 420-650 nm and has a maximum in the region of 500-520 nm. The maximum luminescence is less pronounced than in the excitation spectrum. The measured spectral luminescence characteristics forage plants seeds by scarification. Due to the scarification forage plants seeds spectral characteristics increase. In Galega seeds with multiple scarification, observed qualitative changes in the excitation spectrum was associated with the appearance of a new maximum at a wavelength of 423 nm. Similarly, for clover seeds, the obtained results can be used to create seed diagnostics devices.

Potential Evaluation and Best Practices of Solar Power Plant Application in Rural Areas

Recreational rest and recovery zones require a daily hot water supply, and constant availability of electricity. Therefore, the need for renewable energy sources usage in the Lower Volga region is obvious and power plants with an environmentally friendly component significant in the region. An analysis of the theoretically calculated potential renewable energy makes it possible to optimistically assert that the region is promising for autonomous renewable energy source implementation. It may be noted that potential wind and solar energy, in spite of the fact that it is distributed unevenly, is sufficient to provide energy for remote rural communities and tourist facilities. An analysis was conducted on the availability of actinometric data required for heliotechnical calculations and identified areas of applicability and accuracy of the information received from various meteorological information sources.

Mobile Measuring Complex for Conducting an Electric Network Survey

An energy audit of the electrical network is required in the process of constructing new electrical networks as well as in justifying the reconstruction need of existing ones. In this chapter, the structure of a mobile measuring complex has been developed to conduct an electrical network survey without disconnecting consumers. The complex can be used to inspect 0.4 kV electrical networks and microgrids of the same voltage class and allows data collection on voltage losses and electric power losses in network elements such as a power lines (electric transmission line), and power transformers. The energy audit is conducted without disconnecting consumers in order to avoid an undersupply of electricity as well as to determine the real operating modes of power networks. Ultimately, the use of the developed measuring complex will increase the reliability of the power supply to consumers and ensure the required quality of the electricity supplied to them.

Energy-Saving Technologies for Pre-Sowing Seed Treatment in a Magnetic Field

The purpose of the research was to establish the mechanism of the magnetic field impact on seeds to determine the most effective mode of pre-sowing treatment of seeds in a magnetic field and design parameters of the device for magnetic treatment of seeds. It is established that under the influence of a magnetic field the rate of chemical reactions occurring in plant cells is accelerated, solubility of salts and acids increases, and permeability of cell membranes accelerates the diffusion of molecules and ions through them. This leads to an increase in the concentration of ions in the cell and oxygen molecules and the growth of water absorption of seeds. Pre-sowing seed treatment promotes increased germination by 25-40%, and germination by 30 - 35%. The most effective pre-sowing treatment of seeds in a magnetic field is a magnetic induction of 0.065 Tl with four reversal magnetization, a pole division of 0.23 m and a seed movement speed of 0.4 m/s. With this mode of treatment, crop yields increase by 20–25%.

Energy Saving System Based on Heat Pump for Maintain Microclimate of the Agricultural Objects

At agricultural facilities, the main attention is paid to the formation and maintenance of their microclimate parameters, and mechanization of storage processes. As world experience shows, it is necessary to develop and implement energy-saving systems and the use of renewable energy sources. The authors have developed energy-saving systems based on the heat pump, with upgraded electrical regulators. The developed system (patent 100873), uses thermoelectric elements and a low-potential energy source, to effectively maintain the temperature parameters of the microclimate during long-term storage of potatoes, but it requires a large amount of electricity consumption (30 to 35 kW), so the authors have developed an energy-saving system based on a heat pump (patent 123909). The temperature regime is achieved by using a thermoelectric cooler-heater and an electric heater. The humidifier allows for maintaining the necessary relative air humidity.

Researches of Technology Electrohydraulic Effect

The purpose of the chapter is to study the technology and technical means of electrohydraulic action on water. The authors justify the relevance of the research. The design of the original negative electrode tip is being developed to increase the density of the electromagnetic field and reduce power loss. The design parameters of the electrohydraulic installation are shown. Modeling of factors influencing the process of electrohydraulic treatment of water according to the Plackett-Berman plan and the random balance method is carried out; significant and insignificant factors are identified. The operation modes of the electrohydraulic installation are determined and optimized experimentally. The substantiation of the economic feasibility of using electrohydraulic water treatment technology in farms is being conducted. The prospects and scope of electrohydraulic technology are determined.