The project’s objective is to conduct a feasibility study concerning the design, development, and optimization of the operation of an electric machine for harvesting ready-to-eat vegetables (IV range).
The study aims to refine solutions that address design challenges associated with the current model, such as the presence of a mechanical gear system that triggers two modes of machine operation (harvesting mode and return mode from the work site); the use of DC-type motors with relatively poor energy efficiency and performance; the inclusion of a heavy battery pack that is economically unsustainable and difficult to handle in terms of maintenance and replacement.
Objectives
Implementation of the project
Given the identified design challenges, the feasibility study is expected to focus on the following aspects:
- Elimination of the mechanical gear system for the two operation modes and adoption of an advanced electronic speed control system for the vehicle.
- Exploration of the use of AC motorwheels instead of the current DC technology, analysis of driving force-consumption, and optimization of costs and energy consumption
- Downsizing the battery pack in relation to energy efficiency improvements resulting from the aforementioned points and potential migration to superior technology.
Results and updates will be presented on this website.
Project co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund
