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1) Indoor Yield Monitor Test
Facility - Developed to support testing and evaluation of mass and
volumetric flow, and moisture sensors under controlled
conditions. |
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2) Volumetric Metering Unit with
Variable Frequency Drive - Large and small star metering wheels were
developed to meter a known volume of grain to the clean grain
elevator. Variable frequency motor drives permit dynamic testing of
mass and volume sensors. The PLC can be programmed to deliver step
changes in grain flow rates along with ramp and sinusoidal input
functions. |
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3) Yield Monitoring Test Stand
Load Center - Load center is
designed to permit testing via PC control of a PLC. The PLC is
intended to sequence the system at start-up and power down, and to control the
rate at which grain is delivered to the clean grain elevator during testing. |
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4) Weigh Bin - Used to
determine total mass of grain metered during a test, and to weigh grain in
and out of facility. |
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5) Weigh Bin Load Cell - One
of four strain gage load cells anchored in concrete for detection of total
mass of grain metered during a test run. |
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6) Clean Grain Elevator Mount - Designed
to accept clean grain elevators form a variety of combine makes and
models. Currently, the test cell utilizes a clean grain elevator
from a John Deere 9600 combine. |
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7) Clean Grain Elevator Gimbal - Developed
to simulate combine operation on hillsides and over undulating
terrain. Gimbal allows for elevator operation at up to 15 degrees
from vertical for side to side and fore and aft movements at the top of
the elevator. Initially designed for static testing, plans are being
developed for dynamic actuation of the elevator about either axis of
rotation. |
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8) Yield Monitor Instrumentation - Central
location for yield monitor electronics and data logging equipment. |
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9) GreenStar Moisture Sensor -
Installed on John Deere 9600 clean grain elevator to support comparison
with other moisture measuring devices. |
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10) Ag Leader Moisture Sensor -
Installed at top of John Deere 9600 clean grain elevator to support
comparison with other moisture measuring devices. |
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11) Elevator Hydraulic Power
Source - Hydraulic test bench that can supply up to 28 GPM of oil at 2800 PSI
to drive motor that powers the clean grain elevator. Servo pump can
be stroked to change elevator speed. Hydraulic test bench control
circuit is connected to load center of yield monitor test cell for safety. |
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12) Hydraulic Drive for Clean
Grain Elevator - Motor selected to provide up to 30 Hp continuously to
power clean grain elevator at speeds up to 500 rpm. |
