Development of a robot for biomass handling in a solar greenhouse dryer

Publication Type

Journal contribution

Authors

Starcevic N, Bux M, Rohr T, Lutz K , Kostadinov M, Ritterbusch S, Müller J

Year of publication

2007

Published in

Agricultural Engineering International: The CIGR Ejournal

Band/Volume

IX/

Series/labeling

Manuscript PM 07 010

Page (from - to)

1-8

Keywords

Biomasse

http://cigr-ejournal.tamu.edu/submissions/volume9/PM%2007%20010%20Starcevic%20final%2027March2007.pdf 

Solar and solar assisted dryers for sewage sludge have shown to be a commercially viable alternative compared to conventional drying processes. Therefore, a cost-efficient mixing and transporting robot for processing and handling of various biomass during a solar drying process was developed. To ascertain a systematic and efficient design procedure, the discursive design method VDI 2221 and innovative Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) software tools were used. The analysis of the complex technical system was based on several function structure plans. The derived technical solutions were organised on a morphological chart. The computed technical value (xA=0.76) and the economical value (yA=0.77) of the robot testified a high-grade design concept. First drying experiments with the prototype demonstrate the general functionality and applicability. Hence, the combination of the VDI design method with specific CAE-tools is suitable for reducing the development period on the innovation driven market of biomass processing.