Experimental Research on Reed Harvesting With “Erba” Electric Boat

Abstract

The article presents the results obtained from experimental research conducted with an electric equipment (a watercraft) for harvesting aquatic biomass (reed, cattail, water lily, etc.), remote controlled, symbolized as ERBA. This equipment was designed and built in Romania by researchers from INMA Bucharest and ICPE-CA, at the level of experimental model. The purpose of this equipment is to develop a national system of machines for cleaning lakes, navigable canals, and specific areas of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve from excess biomass that needs to be removed for the proper functioning of aquatic ecosystems. The harvested biomass is used as raw material for the production of liquid and gaseous fuels, as well as biofertilizers, which can be utilized as inputs in the bioeconomy. The phenological characteristics of the harvested biomass, the structural and functional characteristics of the vessel, the laboratory experimental records, the nautical indices, the exploitation indices, and the energy consumption were measured under different working conditions and regimes, and with different types of biomass.