Mechanized methods for harvesting residual biomass from Mediterranean fruit tree cultivations

Abstract

This study evaluates the technology and work systems used in order to harvest residual biomass from pruning in the specific conditions of Mediterranean fruit orchards (narrow distances between crop-rows). Harvesting has been divided into several types of operationspruning, biomass alignment between crop tracks, biomass concentration in piles, chipping and bundling -which have been analyzed in five Mediterranean cultivations for three years. Altogether, three types of pruning have been analyzed: Manual, previous mechanical followed by manual, and fully mechanical; Two types of alignment: Manual and mechanical; Three concentration systems:Manual, tractor with a rake and a forwarder; Four chipping work organization systems: chipper driven inside orchard and manually fed by operators, mobile chipper driven inside orchard with pick-up header, mobile chipper fed by means of mechanical crane, chipper mounted on a truck fed by means of mechanical crane, which was working in a fixed position in a border of the plot after wood concentration. Also two bundling organization systems were checked: bundler machine working in a fixed position after wood concentration and working inside the plot driven among the crops.Previous concentration of the materials was the best alternative for their chipping or bundling in the studied conditions. Regression models have been calculated to predict the time of work of machinery and labor for each alternative. These equations were used to implement logistic planning as the Borvemar model, which defines a logistics network for supplying bio-energy systems.

Prediction models for higher heating value based on the structural analysis of the biomass of plant remains from the greenhouses of Almería (Spain)

“…(5), which does present all its significant variables and with similar beta coefficient values for H, C, and L. Something similar occurs with the variable ''E'' of Eq. (6)(t prediction > [t calculated ]; 0.865 > 0.172), with the variable L 2 of Eq.…”

“…Eqs. (4), (5), and (8) are slightly less complex, with only three variables, but with components 4 to 6 ( Table 5). In turn, Eqs.…”

“…while generally producing some type of biomass waste. This biomass (from the above systems) can be used for energy but need to be studied from the logistical-environmental standpoint [5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13], analysed from the physical-chemical perspective [14][15][16], and submitted to different transformations (physical or chemical), to produce so-called biofuels [17][18][19][20][21][22].…”

Probabilistic Load-Flow Analysis of Biomass-Fuelled Gas Engines with Electrical Vehicles in Distribution Systems

“…The annual net density of biomass D can be assumed to be a random variable with a normal distribution [44][45][46]. This density ranges from 9.26 to 25 kg dry biomass tree −1 [7,16,[44][45][46][47][48][49].…”

“…This density ranges from 9.26 to 25 kg dry biomass tree −1 [7,16,[44][45][46][47][48][49]. For example, according to one very detailed study [16], olive tree varieties can be classified in two groups for annual pruning: high residual biomass productivity (average yield 10.5 kg tree −1 ) and low productivity (average yield 3.5 kg tree −1 ).…”