Title:
Developing and Evaluating of the Fibre Sorghum Mower Conditioner Prototype CRA-ING/Cressoni
Author(s):
Pari, L., Assirelli, A., Suardi, A.
Document(s):
Paper
Abstract:
Fiber sorghum is an important crop with large potential energy target related not only to energy but also to anaerobic digestion (biogas), as well as second generation bioethanol production. Structural aspects of this crop as size, strength, reduced water release in post-mowing, have often represented a limit to the harvesting mechanization as dried product. The mechanical limits of the commercial harvester in conditioning fiber sorghum, do not permit the spread of the cultivation except for silage use where the fresh product is harvested by maize chopper. To overcome the above mentioned limits, CRA-ING after having analyzed the structural aspects of the crop and after the evaluation of the different solutions available on the market, in 2007 designed and developed a prototype of mower conditioner, modified then in the winter of 2008. The experimental tests were conducted in the north as well as in the centre of Italy. In 2009, other experimental tests were carried out in others parts of the country, in order to define the prototype performance in relation to different pedo-climatic conditions. Investigations on the qualitative aspects of the drying by evaluating the degradation of cellulose from the early stages of harvest, were carried out. The experimental activity was conducted in collaboration with major corporations that have welcomed the proposed solution and are currently interested in developing cultivation on large-scale, also for second-generation biofuel production.
Keywords:
drying, energy crops, fibre sorghum, harvesting
Topic:
Biomass resources
Subtopic:
Research on energy crops (session 3)
Event:
18th European Biomass Conference and Exhibition
Session:
VP1.3.21
Pages:
463 - 467
ISBN-13:
978-88-89407-56-1
ISBN-10:
88-89407-56-5
Paper DOI:
10.5071/18thEUBCE2010-VP1.3.21
Price:
FREE
