Energy-Efficient Vacuum Generation Fan with Adjustable Blade Angle for Pneumatic Seeders: Design, Analysis, And Experimental Validation
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/ijasr-06-04-07Keywords:
Pneumatic seeder, Vacuum fan, Adjustable blade pitchAbstract
Pneumatic seeders depend critically on stable sub-atmospheric (vacuum) pressure to achieve precise seed singulation and uniform row spacing. Conventional vacuum generation systems regulate airflow by varying fan rotational speed through variable-frequency drives or mechanical transmissions, which incurs substantial energy losses, accelerated bearing wear, and pressure oscillations that degrade seeding quality. This study presents the design, analytical modelling, prototype fabrication, and laboratory evaluation of a novel centrifugal fan whose blade pitch angle is continuously adjustable from 25° to 55° without altering shaft rotational speed (540 rpm). A six-blade aluminium-alloy rotor (outer diameter 320 mm) was coupled to a worm-gear servo actuator enabling real-time pitch control. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations predicted maximum static pressure of −4.82 kPa and a peak aerodynamic efficiency of 71.3% at a blade angle of 47°. Bench-test results confirmed a static vacuum of −4.67 ± 0.09 kPa, vacuum regulation range of ±0.35 kPa over a 12-minute continuous run, and a 23.7% reduction in specific energy consumption compared with a baseline speed-controlled fan operating at equivalent vacuum set-points. Seed metering trials with soybean (Glycine max L., cv. Andijon-6) demonstrated a miss-index of 1.8%, a multiple-index of 2.1%, and a coefficient of variation of seed spacing of 6.4%, all satisfying ISO 7256-1:1984 precision-seeder criteria. The proposed mechanism offers a mechanically robust, low-maintenance alternative to frequency-drive control and is readily integrated into existing tractor power-take-off drive trains.
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