Collection of Non-grain Part of Sunflower Harvest for Energy Purposes

Abstract

The aim of the research is to increase the efficiency of harvesting the non-grain part of the sunflower crop for energy purposes by developing technology and substantiation of technical means. The analysis of sunflower harvesting technologies is carried out; the method of harvesting the crushed mass of the non-grain part of the sunflower crop with the formation of windrows of high linear mass at the edge of the field is substantiated. The results of laboratory field research of harvesting, selection and pressing of the crushed mass of the non-grain part of the sunflower crop are presented. Directions of improvement of the baler for harvesting of a non-grain part of sunflower harvest are noted. The constructional-technological scheme of the trailed hopper and windrow-former to the combine harvester for formation of windrows of a non-grain part of a crop of sunflower with the increased running weight is offered. The results of laboratory field studies confirmed the hypothesis of the possibility of selecting the rolls of the crushed mass of the non-grain part of the sunflower crop with a running weight of more than 20 kg per meter at a level of losses not exceeding 20%. The efficiency of harvesting the non-grain part of the sunflower crop for energy purposes can be increased by collecting the crushed mass passed through the combine harvester in a trailed digger and forming rolls with high running weight at the edge of the field for drying and subsequent selection by serial balers. It is established that at the level of yield of sunflower seeds within 3 ton per ha the volume of harvesting by the combine harvester of the crushed weight of non-grain part makes 7.5-8.5 center per ha. When picking with a baler, rolls with a density of 75-90 kg per m3 were formed at an average humidity of 23%.