Up to now high forces have given way to a preference for closed hydraulic propulsion. However, should the performance requirement extend over a wide area, or should a variety of rotational speeds be necessary, hydro-mechanical engines can suddenly effectively lose much of their intrinsic efficiency.

In addition, oil leaks in the field can result in uninten­tional harm to the environment. Electric motors are an alternative with a number of advantages: high starting torques and good efficiency levels over a wide range of rotational speeds, with flexible electronic control and new design options in construction.

Self-propelled chaff cutters

At the Chair for Agricultural Systemic Engineering  of the Technical University of Munich (Lehrstuhl für Agrarsystemtechnik der Technischen Universität München) cooperative research with Machine Works Bernard KRONE GmbH (Maschinenfabrik Bernard KRONE GmbH) is taking place on a self-propelled chaff cutter, with which the individual electrical drives are run, step by step, by diesel electric power. In the initial project stage two auxiliary drives of variable rotation speeds were converted. Efficiency level increases of up to 25 per cent over those of hydraulic drives were achieved. Currently the rear axle drive of the chaff cutter is at the center of the research efforts. The goals aimed for are

• Improvement of the overall efficiency level
• Achievement of a lateral differential lock
• Variable pre-begin or overrun of the rear axle
• Implementation of an energy management system for the electrical energy supply

Project Operation:
Technische Universität München
Wissenschaftszentrum Weihenstephan
Lehrstuhl für Agrarsystemtechnik
Am Staudengarten 2
85354 Freising-Weihenstephan
Telefon    08161|713799
markus.heckmann@wzw.tum.de
www.tec.wzw.tum.de

Cooperation Partner
Maschinenfabrik Bernard KRONE GmbH
Heinrich-Krone-Straße 10
48480 Spelle
Telefon    05977|935-0
www.info.ldm@krone.de
www.krone.de


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