Determination of Permissible Operating Parameters for the Working Units of a Breeding Plot Harvester

One of the major challenges in the mechanization of domestic breeding remains the insufficient level of technical equipment incorporating automatic control systems for working units, including AI-based solutions. In mechanized harvesting technology, most adjustments of operating parameters in response to changing harvesting conditions are still performed manually by the operator. Therefore, the development of automatic control methods aimed at improving harvesting accuracy throughout the entire harvesting process is highly relevant, particularly for breeding grain harvesters, where minimizing losses and damage to seed material is of critical importance. (Research purpose) To determine the permissible parameter values for the working units of a breeding plot harvester through mathematical modeling based on an assessment of crop stand characteristics. (Materials and methods) Mathematical relationships between the interrelated parameters of the harvester’s linear travel speed and the operating frequency of the cutting unit were established, and the permissible parameter values for the working units of a breeding plot harvester were obtained using a graphical approach. (Results and discussion) The permissible parameter values for the working units of a breeding plot harvester were obtained using mathematical and graphical methods based on crop stand characteristics, taking into account the operating ranges of the harvester and crop stand density. The following parameters were established: harvester travel speed of 1-2 meters per second, cutting unit operating frequency of 200-800 revolutions per minute, and crop stand density of 200–600 stems per square meter. Functional relationships between crop stand parameters and harvester operating modes were formulated and visualized, enabling the determination of permissible parameters. (Conclusions) The derived models can be used in the development of intelligent control systems for the header assembly and harvester travel speed to improve harvesting efficiency and minimize losses. The applicability of the proposed model for implementation in automated control systems under real operating conditions has been confirmed.

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