Abstract

GOMEZ-GIL, Jaime; DE-LOZAR-ESCUDERO, Alfonso; NAVAS-GRACIA, L. Manuel  and  RUIZ-RUIZ, Gonzalo. Analytical estimation of optimal operation variables of a centrifugal fertilizer distributor, using the gradient method on multiple seeds. Agrociencia [online]. 2009, vol.43, n.5, pp.497-509. ISSN 2521-9766.

The optimal adjustment of operation variables of a fertilizer machine with centrifugal distributors for obtaining a good variation coefficient is essential for uniform fertilizer distribution on farmland. This article presents a computerized application in order to predict analytically the distribution profile and the variation coefficient of agricultural fertilizer machines with centrifugal disk distributors. Furthermore, this application calculates the values of fertilizer adjustment variables, which offer a better variation coefficient, using the gradient method on multiple seeds. With these optimal parameters of fertilizer adjustment variables, variation coefficient results are obtained, similar to those of the most prestigious trademarks of fertilizing equipment. A particular case is shown with small disks and moderate turn speed with which a work width of 22 m is achieved, similar to the ones obtained with the fertilizing equipment of these distributors. The use of this computerized application in a fertilizer machine test station allows an adjustment of the fertilizing equipment, reducing the number of required experimental trials. This is due to the fact that initially a search for the optimal parameters through developed application has been carried out and then, a fine adjustment of these parameters by means of experimental tests.

Keywords : Distribution profile; variation coefficient; gradient method; simulator; optimizer.