Shedding a Light on Losses

Rexroad, Will

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132918 Copy

Description

Title

Shedding a Light on Losses

Author(s)

Rexroad, Will

Issue Date

2023

Keyword(s)

Agricultural and Biological Engineering

Abstract

We are accustomed to seeing these impressive machines roaming around Central Illinois fields during fall harvest seasons. The modern combine is an important enabler to feed the world’s growing population. But, as with any engineered machine, there are performance tradeoffs involved. For example, farmers need to complete their harvest quickly to avoid in-field crop damage and pre-harvest grain loss but harvesting at excessive speeds can lead to high grain loss from the combine itself. The tradeoff between productivity and grain loss is an important consideration for farmers and a key indicator of overall machine performance. This past fall, I conducted research at the University of Illinois’ South Farms to better quantify these non-linear performance tradeoffs. Our research team worked with an industry partner to characterize combine harvest losses, while also evaluating throughput, fuel efficiency, and grain quality. We utilized a system of remote-controlled electromagnetic drop pans to measure the grain loss distribution across the entire swath of the machine. This image was taken at the end of a long day of testing with a worthwhile reward of a Champaign sunset over the remaining research.

Type of Resource

• Text
• Image

Language

eng

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132918

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Will Rexroad

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