Experimental research on biomass cutting process

Abstract

This paper contains the results of the biomass cutting process in which wheat straw was used. Tests were made on the prototype test stand which made it possible to control the parameters of the cutting process and based on that define its energy consumption. During the research the following parameters were measured: rotational speed of electric motor, which drives the rotor with a set of cutting knives, electric current supply and torque on the shaft. Tests were made for the variable moisture content of the biomass and with knives with three different back-rake angles 5°, 15° and 30°. Using these measured parameters it was possible to calculate the power and the cutting force necessary to disintegrate biomass. The main goal was to find out if there is any influence of moisture content and the back-rake angle of the cutting knife on the dynamic parameters of the process - power and cutting force. The presented results can be very useful in a design process for a working assembly of biomass disintegrating machines which are directed to the energetic efficiency.