Abstract
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.
Highlights
The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Emissions Gap Report 2019 [1] estimated that from 2020, the required cuts in global emissions needed to fight the increasing temperature are2.7% per year for a 2 ◦ C reduction goal and 7.6% per year on average for a 1.5 ◦ C reduction goal
The results of the analysis of variance show that the effects of the gear ratio, the blade angle and the outlet section on the power and fuel consumption, energy use and emissions were statistically significant at p = 0.001 (Table 2)
Lower power consumption was achieved with lesser blade angles (20° and 26°) when
Summary
The UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) Emissions Gap Report 2019 [1] estimated that from 2020, the required cuts in global emissions needed to fight the increasing temperature are2.7% per year for a 2 ◦ C reduction goal and 7.6% per year on average for a 1.5 ◦ C reduction goal. For the European Union (EU), the 1.5 ◦ C goal would cause a 68% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG). The agricultural sector represented a significant rate of EU emissions in 2015, with ~460 MtCO2 eq or 12% of total GHG emissions, when including CO2 emissions from energy consumption in this sector. Demand for biofuels is expected to rise and agriculture will be increasingly compromised by the combined effects of climate change and soil degradation [2]. In this context, more sustainable farming practices could represent a challenge to reduce emissions, costs, and pressure on biodiversity, as well as the pollution of air, water, and soil [6]
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