Method for reducing undesired voltage flashovers during electrical treatments of plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for reducing undesired voltage flashovers during electrical treatments of plants, in particular during desiccation of field crops, for controlling green manure or for controlling weeds, the method comprising at least the following step: (S300) applying an electrical voltage (U) to plants, the voltage having a peak-to-peak amplitude (UST) of less than 1000 V, wherein the electrical voltage (U) is a rectified and smoothed electrical direct current which is additively composed of a constant equivalence (U_) and a residual ripple value (R), wherein the residual ripple value (R) having the peak-to-peak amplitude (UST) fluctuates between a maximum value (UMax) and a minimum value (UMin).

Description

[0001] Method for reducing unwanted voltage surges during electrical treatment of plants

[0002] The invention relates to a method for reducing unwanted voltage surges during electrical treatments of plants, in particular during desiccation of crops, for green manure control, or for weed control. Furthermore, the invention relates to a treatment device for electrical treatment of plants, a carrier vehicle with such a treatment device, and a kit containing components of such a treatment device.

[0003] Desiccation (German: Austrocknung) is a process in agriculture in which crops are destroyed with, among other things, desiccated materials to accelerate ripening. It facilitates harvesting and promotes the ripening of crops. This chemical desiccation mimics the natural desiccation process of wilting annual crops during ripening, in which the above-ground, green parts of the plant and the roots and other parts close to the surface dry out. A welcome side effect is the simultaneous killing of weeds, whose still-green parts would otherwise be harvested with grain, increasing the moisture content of the harvest, and whose seed loss or further growth can increase weed density in the fields.

[0004] Field crops are cultivated plants grown in fields. Field crops include cereals, root crops, legumes, oilseeds, and green crops such as silage maize, which are used as animal feed or for energy production.

[0005] Green manure is a natural method in agriculture for soil cover and improvement. It primarily refers to the targeted cultivation and subsequent killing of plants that are not harvested but remain in the field for purposes such as erosion control, nutrient conservation, or soil improvement / humus formation. Cover crops can also be used for this purpose during the final cultivation phase. A cover crop is a crop grown between other primary crops as green manure or for use as animal feed.

[0006] The term "control of weeds regardless of location" refers to the method generally described as weed control, in which any plants that are not desired at the current growth location (field, meadow, pasture, traffic area, building parts or others) at a chosen time for functional or aesthetic reasons are treated by suitable methods, in this case electrophysical methods, in such a way that they die completely or are significantly weakened or inhibited in their further growth or are set back to an earlier stage.

[0007] When electric current flows through plant parts, they are damaged depending on the electrical current intensity, electrical voltage, and current type (direct current, alternating current, frequency, degree of smoothing or residual ripple, etc.). A comprehensive and unified theory of the mechanism of action does not yet exist. It can be assumed with certainty that the vascular bundles for fluid transport in the plant, as the parts with the lowest electrical resistance, are particularly damaged to the point that they become dysfunctional. The plant subsequently dies and dries out, depending on the degree of damage and the weather conditions. High energy input can also lead to local thermal destruction of plant tissue.

[0008] The use of direct electrical current for the electrotreatment of plants is known, for example, from US 2,007,383 and WO 2019 / 052591 A1, while the use of direct or alternating electrical current is known, for example, from WO 2018 / 095450 A1 or WO 2018 / 050142 A1. Traditionally, two metallic applicators are used to apply electrical current to plants in order to at least keep the electrical resistance at the contact point as low as possible.

[0009] Further devices for the electrical treatment of plants are known from DE 23 28 705 A1 and US 5,600,918.

[0010] Such applicators are also referred to as long-range applicators (also known as tongue applicators or LRBs). Such applicators have a spacing of, for example, 0.8 m to 1 m. However, short-range applicators (SRAs) can also be used, with spacing in the range of 0.1 m to 0.5 m.

[0011] Furthermore, in some cases, the circuit is closed not by a second contact on plants with the opposite pole, but by electrodes cut into the soil. Such a procedure is known, for example, from WO 2016 / 016627 A1, where an electrical voltage with a minimum frequency of 18 kHz and a peak-to-valley voltage of at least 1000 V is used.

[0012] However, during such electrical treatment of plants, unwanted voltage surges, e.g., in the form of arcs, can occur. These unwanted voltage surges can occur between two applicators of one applicator unit, but also between applicators of neighboring applicator units.

[0013] There is therefore a need to demonstrate ways to reduce unwanted voltage surges during electrical treatments of plants, particularly during desiccation of crops, for green manure control, or for weed control. The object of the invention is achieved by a method for reducing unwanted voltage surges during electrical treatments of plants, particularly during desiccation of crops, for green manure control, or for weed control, comprising at least the following step:

[0014] Applying an electrical voltage with a peak-to-valley value of less than 1000 V to plants, wherein the electrical voltage is a rectified and smoothed electrical direct voltage which is composed additively of a constant direct value and a residual ripple value, wherein the residual ripple value fluctuates with the peak-to-valley value between a maximum value and a minimum value.

[0015] The peak-to-valley value (formerly peak-to-peak value) is the range of the electrical voltage fluctuation from the lowest value (including negative values) to the highest value during a period. In other words, it corresponds to the difference between a maximum and a minimum value of the electrical voltage.

[0016] It was surprisingly discovered that if the peak-to-valley value, for example, within a cycle is less than 1000 V, the number of unwanted voltage surges accompanied by arcs between two applicators of an applicator unit, especially between applicators of adjacent applicator units, can be significantly reduced. The electrical voltage can have a frequency between 60 kHz and 300 kHz, such as 60 kHz to 100 kHz. This reduces arcing between the applicators and the plant, as the voltage fluctuations are small due to the low peak-to-valley values, and the electrical voltage is therefore more homogeneous.

[0017] This makes it possible to arrange multiple applicator units side by side in a row of applicators and operate them without unwanted voltage surges and / or arcing. This allows for simultaneous electrical treatment of plants with multiple applicator units side by side in a row of applicators at a reduced distance from each other. Furthermore, no electrical energy is wasted due to arcing, making the process more energy-efficient.

[0018] The electrical voltage is a rectified and smoothed direct voltage. A direct voltage is understood to be an electrical voltage with no change in sign. The rectified and smoothed voltage can be provided by a bridge rectifier, such as a full-bridge rectifier, which is smoothed by one or more downstream smoothing capacitors. The rectified and smoothed direct voltage is thus composed of a constant direct value and a residual ripple value, with the residual ripple value fluctuating between a maximum value and a minimum value. The difference between the maximum value and the minimum value then corresponds to the peak-to-valley value. The residual ripple can assume values ​​of up to 10% and lie in the frequency range from 20 kHz to 200 kHz, from 20 kHz to 300 kHz, or from 20 kHz to 500 kHz.Thus, the number of unwanted voltage flashovers accompanied by arcs between two applicators of an applicator unit, in particular between applicators of adjacent applicator units, can be significantly reduced if such a rectified and smoothed DC voltage is used as the electrical voltage.

[0019] The invention further includes a treatment device for reducing unwanted voltage flashovers during electrical treatments of plants, a carrier vehicle, such as a self-propelled agricultural machine or a trailer of a team, with such a treatment device and a kit containing components of such a treatment device.

[0020] The invention will now be explained with reference to the figures, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a

[0021] Embodiment of a carrier vehicle with a treatment device for the electrical treatment of plants.

[0022] Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the device shown in Figure

[0023] 1 shown carrier vehicle.

[0024] Figure 3 Components of a transformation and control unit of the device shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0025] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a first example of a

[0026] voltage curve.

[0027] Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of another example of a

[0028] voltage curve.

[0029] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of another example of a

[0030] voltage curve.

[0031] Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of another example of a

[0032] voltage curve.

[0033] Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of another example of a

[0034] voltage curve.

[0035] Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a process flow for

[0036] Operation of the carrier vehicle shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0037] Reference is first made to Figure 1. Figure 1 shows an arrangement of individual components of a treatment device 1 for the electrical treatment of plants on an agricultural machine serving as a carrier vehicle 30.

[0038] With the treatment device 1, for example, desiccation can be effected by applying an electric current to plants. In this case, it can be provided to reduce electrical contact resistances by prior application of a contact resistance-reducing medium 15, such as a suitable liquid.

[0039] Agricultural machinery is a specialized type of machine used primarily in agriculture. It can be self-propelled, towed by, or permanently attached to an agricultural towing vehicle, such as a tractor. In other words, the agricultural machine can be a self-propelled towing vehicle or a trailer without its own power that is towed by a towing vehicle.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the carrier vehicle 30 is designed as a tractor. Deviating from the present embodiment, the carrier vehicle 30 can also be designed as a fertilizing, seeding, or harvesting machine that has been modified by attaching the components of the treatment device 1. For this purpose, the components of the treatment device 1 can also be provided in the form of a kit. For example, the kit can include components of a treatment device 1 designed as an attachment.

[0041] The treatment device 1 and the carrier vehicle 30 can differ depending on the application mode and specific requirements of the crop in question and the time of treatment. The treatment device 1 can have one or more modules 10, 20, each of which can be designed as an attachment. The treatment device 1 can be designed as a machine / agricultural machine, i.e. as interchangeable equipment consisting of up to two attachments that are mounted simultaneously on the carrier vehicle 30. Furthermore, the treatment device 1 can be designed as interchangeable equipment, i.e. as a device that the driver of the carrier vehicle 30 attaches to it himself after it has been put into operation in order to change or expand its function, provided that this equipment is not a tool.

[0042] In the present embodiment, the treatment device 1 comprises a first module 10 for applying the contact resistance-reducing medium 15 and a second module 20 for transmitting direct electrical current to plants. By applying the contact resistance-reducing medium 15, contact resistances, e.g., between applicators and contacted plant parts, can be reduced. Furthermore, the tendency toward arcing is reduced, which reduces energy consumption.

[0043] Deviating from the present exemplary embodiment, the treatment device 1 can also have only a second module 20 for transmitting electrical current to the plants. Furthermore, it can be provided that, for example, in a combination consisting of a towing vehicle and a trailer pulled by the towing vehicle, the first module 10 is assigned to the towing vehicle and components of the second module 20 are assigned to the towing vehicle and the trailer. The components of the second module 20 can also be assigned only to the trailer. Furthermore, the components of the first module 10 and the second module 20 can be assigned to the trailer.

[0044] In this exemplary embodiment, the contact resistance-reducing medium 15 is a contact resistance-reducing liquid. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first module 10 is arranged at the front and the second module 20 at the rear of the carrier vehicle 30. This arrangement allows the application of the contact resistance-reducing medium 15 to always take place before or simultaneously with the electrophysical treatment by applying an electrical current, such as a direct electrical current.

[0045] The first module 10 has at least one application device designed as a nozzle 11. In combination with the nozzle 11, the application device can also have a wiper (not shown) or, alternatively, can itself be designed as a wiper. The application device is thus designed for spraying and wiper-off or applying the contact resistance-reducing medium 15, or, alternatively, for spraying or wiper-off. The first module 10 has a number of jointly or preferably individually controllable nozzles 11 or wipers, which are arranged on a first support structure 13 in a desired overall working width of the treatment device 1 (e.g., 0.3 - 48 m, preferably 6 - 27 m) and geometry (statically or flexibly mounted or height-sensor-controlled).The nozzles 11 and / or wipers are supplied with the contact resistance-reducing medium 15, in the present embodiment a liquid, which is stored in one or more liquid containers 14. Sensors 16 are arranged, among other things, in the area of ​​the nozzles 11 (not shown), the data from which are used, if necessary, to control the amount of contact resistance-reducing medium 15 applied. Additional sensors 16 can be arranged on the front of the first module 10 (i.e., in the direction of travel FR) for work safety purposes. Sensors used include, but are not limited to, current / voltage sensors, optical sensors, e.g., camera systems, position or motion sensors, LIDAR, metal detectors, and others. Drones flying ahead can also be used to detect the plants ahead.Furthermore, electric fence applicators for deterring or scaring away animals can be arranged on the carrier vehicle 30 or the second module 20. In the present embodiment, the carrier vehicle 30 supplies mechanical drive energy for an electric generator 32 of the second module 20 via a power take-off shaft 31 or a hydraulic circuit, which can be located in the rear area (as shown) or front area on the carrier vehicle 30. The individual modules of the treatment device 1 are arranged, for example, as attachments, e.g. with three-point linkages. Special crops require special machines, sometimes already as the carrier vehicle 30 with special suspensions, possibly also to the side or underneath the carrier vehicle 30. For treatment devices 1 with very high energy requirements, e.g.For very high working widths or carrier vehicles 30 without sufficient free power capacity, independent power generator systems can also be used, which can be coupled to the carrier vehicle 30, mounted on a trailer or moved on a trailer.

[0046] Electrical current is conducted from the generator 32 via electrical lines to at least one transformation and control unit 33 of the second module 20. There, the electrical current is converted for transformation and then brought to the predetermined electrical voltage with a predetermined residual ripple in centrally or distributed transformers and further control units.

[0047] In the present embodiment, the second module 20 has a plurality of applicator units 2, each with a plurality of applicators 21a, 21b, 21c for applying electrical current to plants.

[0048] Reference is now made additionally to Figure 2.

[0049] The majority of applicator units 2 are arranged in an applicator row 12, wherein the extension direction of the applicator row 12 extends transversely, in the present embodiment at an angle of 90°, to the direction of travel FR of the carrier vehicle 30. The applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of the applicator row 12 are arranged on a parallelogram-like second support structure 24. Reference is now additionally made to Figure 3.

[0050] Details of a constant power source 3 of the transformation and control unit 33 are shown.

[0051] In the present embodiment, the constant power source 3 has a connection for lines 4 for electrically connecting to the generator 32, a distribution unit 5, and a converter assembly 6 with a plurality of converters 7a, 7b, 7c. A converter (also referred to as an AC converter or AC / DC converter) is understood to be a power converter that generates an AC voltage with different frequency and amplitude from an AC voltage.

[0052] In Figure 3, in the present embodiment, three converters (7a, 7b, 7c) are shown out of 20 converters. However, the number of converters (7a, 7b, 7c) can also be different.

[0053] Each of the applicator units 2 of the applicator series 12 can be assigned a converter 7a, 7b, 7c, ie each of the applicator units 2 of the applicator series 12 has its own converter 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0054] In the present embodiment, generator 32 provides three-phase electrical current with a voltage of 400 V and a frequency of 50 Hz to 60 Hz. Distribution unit 5 distributes the three-phase electrical current to the plurality of converters 7a, 7b, 7c.

[0055] After conversion by the converters 7a, 7b, 7c and rectification with rectifiers (not shown), in the present embodiment full-bridge rectifiers, and subsequent smoothing with smoothing capacitors (also not shown), an electrical DC voltage of 1600 V to 5500 V with a maximum residual ripple of 5% to 10% (in the frequency range 60 kHz to 100 kHz) is provided. Thus, each of the plurality of converters 7a, 7b, 7c provides a first polarity P1 at a first output, a positive polarity in the present embodiment, and a second polarity P2 at its second output, a negative polarity in the present embodiment.

[0056] In the present embodiment, power control is achieved by a combined frequency and pulse width modulation.

[0057] The first polarity P1 (plus) is assigned to the respective first and third applicators 21a and 21c, while the second polarity P2 (minus) is assigned to the second applicator 21b.

[0058] In other words, in the present embodiment, the treatment device 1 is designed to apply an electrical voltage U to plants, which is a rectified and smoothed direct current voltage. In the present embodiment, the rectified and smoothed direct current voltage has a voltage of 1600 V to 5500 V with a maximum residual ripple of 5% to 10% (in the frequency range 60 kHz to 100 kHz).

[0059] In the present embodiment, the applicators 21a, 21b, 21c are designed as short applicators, the spacing of which is in the range of 0.1 m to 0.5 m. The first applicator 21a is applied with the first polarity P1, the second applicator 21b with the second polarity P2, and the third applicator 21c with the first polarity P1, with several applicator units 2 being arranged side by side in the applicator row 12. A grounding electrode, which is designed, for example, as a central collecting electrode, is not provided. In other words, the applicator units 2 are designed to be ungrounded or without a grounding electrode. Thus, the applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of adjacent applicator units 2 each have the same polarity P1, P2, i.e. the respective first applicators 21a have the polarity P1, the second applicators 21b have the second polarity P2, and the third applicators 21c have the first polarity 21a.Thus, no polarity-related voltage differences occur between applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of adjacent applicator units 2.

[0060] However, during such electrical treatment of plants, unwanted voltage surges, e.g., in the form of arcs, still occur. These unwanted voltage surges can occur between two applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of an applicator unit 2, but also between applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of adjacent applicator units 2 of an applicator row 12, since the residual ripple can lead to significant voltage differences between the applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of adjacent applicator units 2 of an applicator row 12.

[0061] It will now be explained with additional reference to Figure 4 how the number of unwanted voltage flashovers accompanied by arcs between two applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of an applicator unit 2, in particular between applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of adjacent applicator units 2 of an applicator row 12, or between applicators 21a, 21b, 21c and plants, can be significantly reduced.

[0062] Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a voltage curve of a rectified and smoothed electrical direct voltage, which is provided, for example, by a full-bridge rectifier with downstream smoothing capacitors.

[0063] The electrical voltage U is composed of a constant equivalent value U_ and a residual ripple value R, whereby the residual ripple value R fluctuates between a maximum value UMax and a minimum value UMin. The difference between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin corresponds to the peak-to-valley value UST. The peak-to-valley value UST is less than 1000 V. In the present exemplary embodiment, the peak-to-valley value UST is in a range from 100 V to 500 V, depending on the load (pure ohmic resistance). In contrast to the present exemplary embodiment, the peak-to-valley value UST can also be in a range from 50 V to 300 V, or 100 V to 600 V, or 300 V to 600 V, depending on the load (pure ohmic resistance). The residual ripple can be in the frequency range from 20 kHz to 200 kHz, from 20 kHz to 300 kHz, or from 20 kHz to 500 kHz.

[0064] In the present embodiment, the residual ripple cannot be reduced by selecting a larger smoothing capacitor, since larger smoothing capacitors would lead to longer discharge times down to a voltage value predetermined for safety reasons, such as 60 V. However, for safety reasons, it is necessary that a residual voltage level of 60 V be reached within 1 s.

[0065] Reference is now made additionally to Figure 5.

[0066] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a voltage curve of an alternating voltage, which is used alternatively instead of the rectified and smoothed direct voltage.

[0067] In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrical voltage U is sinusoidal. Deviating from the present embodiment, the shape of the electrical voltage U can also be triangular, e.g., sawtooth-shaped, or even trapezoidal.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the alternating voltage is symmetrical. The magnitudes of the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin of the alternating voltage are equal and correspond to the amplitude of the alternating voltage. The peak-to-valley value UST then corresponds to twice the amplitude of the alternating voltage. Deviating from the present embodiment, the alternating voltage can also be asymmetrical. In this case, the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be positive, the maximum value UMax can be positive and the minimum value UMin negative, or the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be negative.

[0069] The oscillation between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can occur at a fixed frequency or at a variable frequency, as with a frequency-modulated signal.

[0070] Reference is now made additionally to Figure 6.

[0071] Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a voltage curve of a square wave voltage, which is used alternatively instead of the rectified and smoothed DC voltage.

[0072] In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrical voltage U is rectangular and symmetrical. The magnitudes of the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin of the square-wave voltage are then equal and correspond to the amplitude of the square-wave voltage. The peak-to-valley value UST then corresponds to twice the amplitude of the square-wave voltage. Deviating from the present embodiment, the square-wave voltage can also be asymmetrical. In this case, the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be positive, the maximum value UMax can be positive and the minimum value UMin negative, or the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be negative.

[0073] The oscillation between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can occur with a fixed frequency or with a variable frequency, as with a pulse width modulated signal (PWM signal).

[0074] Furthermore, the square-wave voltage shown in Figure 6 can be additively superimposed with a residual ripple R. In this case, the maximum value UMax increases by the residual ripple R and the minimum value UMin decreases by the residual ripple R.

[0075] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of a voltage curve of a pulsed DC voltage, which is used alternatively instead of the rectified and smoothed DC voltage.

[0076] In the present embodiment, the shape of the electrical voltage U is asymmetrical. The magnitudes of a maximum value UMax and a minimum value UMin of the pulsed DC voltage are different. The peak-to-valley value UST corresponds to the difference between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin. The maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be positive, the maximum value UMax can be positive and the minimum value UMin negative, or the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be negative.

[0077] The oscillation between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can occur with a fixed frequency or with a variable frequency, as with a pulse width modulated signal (PWM signal).

[0078] In the present embodiment, the shape of the pulsed DC voltage U is rectangular. Deviating from the present embodiment, the pulsed DC voltage U can be triangular, sawtooth, or even trapezoidal.

[0079] Furthermore, the pulsed DC voltage shown in Figure 7 can be additively superimposed with a residual ripple R. In this case, the maximum value UMax increases by the residual ripple R and the minimum value UMin decreases by the residual ripple R.

[0080] Reference is now additionally made to Figure 8. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a voltage curve of a pulsed DC voltage with a minimum value UMin greater than zero, which is used alternatively to the rectified and smoothed DC voltage.

[0081] In the present embodiment, the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin are both positive.

[0082] Deviating from the present embodiment, the maximum value UMax can be positive and the minimum value UMin negative, or the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can both be negative. The difference between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin then corresponds to the peak-to-valley value UST.

[0083] In the present embodiment, the shape of the DC voltage U is rectangular. In contrast to the present embodiment, the DC voltage U can be triangular, sawtooth, or even trapezoidal.

[0084] The oscillation between the maximum value UMax and the minimum value UMin can occur with a fixed frequency or with a variable frequency, as with a pulse width modulated signal (PWM signal).

[0085] Furthermore, the pulsed DC voltage shown in Figure 8 with a minimum value UMin greater than zero can be additively superimposed with a residual ripple R. In this case, the maximum value UMax increases by the residual ripple R, and the minimum value UMin decreases by the residual ripple R.

[0086] Reference is now made additionally to Figure 9.

[0087] The method for the electro-treatment of plants, in particular for the desiccation of field crops, for green manure control or for weed control, may comprise the contact resistance reducing medium 15 being applied beforehand to the shoot axis and / or the leaves of plants.

[0088] In a first step S100, in the present embodiment, the first applicator 21a with the first polarity P1, the second applicator 21b with the second polarity P2 and the third applicator 21c with the first polarity P1 are connected to the regulated constant power source 3 in a way that transmits electrical power.

[0089] This can be done by closing electrical isolating switches, e.g. the transformation and control unit 33.

[0090] In a further step S200, the applicators 21a, 21b, 21c are brought into contact with the stems and / or leaves of plants in such a way that, in the present embodiment, an electric current is generated.

[0091] In a further step S300, the stems and / or leaves of the plants are now subjected to an electrical voltage U with a peak-to-valley value UST of less than 1000 V.

[0092] The electrical voltage U can be an alternating voltage or a rectified and smoothed direct voltage. Furthermore, the electrical voltage U can be a pulsed direct voltage, whereby the electrical voltage U can also have a minimum value Uiviin greater than zero.

[0093] In a further step S400, the regulated constant power source 3 maintains a substantially constant electrical power, e.g., through combined frequency and pulse-width modulation, as long as the resistance value remains within a predetermined range. If the electrical current becomes too high when the resistance is too small, or the required electrical voltage becomes too high when the resistance is too large, the electrical power drops accordingly. Deviating from the present exemplary embodiment, the sequence of the steps may also be different. Furthermore, several steps may also be executed concurrently or simultaneously. Furthermore, deviating from the present exemplary embodiment, individual steps may be skipped or omitted.

[0094] Thus, the number of unwanted voltage surges accompanied by arcs between two applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of an applicator unit 2, in particular between applicators 21a, 21b, 21c of adjacent applicator units 2, can be significantly reduced. This allows simultaneous electrical treatment of plants with a plurality of applicator units.

[0095] 2 next to each other in an applicator row 12 with reduced distance from each other.

[0096] List of reference symbols

[0097] 1 treatment device

[0098] 2 Applicator unit

[0099] 3 Constant power source

[0100] 4 Connection

[0101] 5 Distribution unit

[0102] 6 Inverter module

[0103] 7a Converter

[0104] 7b Inverter

[0105] 7c converter

[0106] 8a connecting section

[0107] 8b connecting section

[0108] 9a connecting section

[0109] 9b connecting section

[0110] 10 first module

[0111] 11 Nozzle

[0112] 12 applicator rows

[0113] 13 first support structure

[0114] 14 liquid containers

[0115] 15 contact resistance reducing medium

[0116] 16 Sensor

[0117] 20 second module

[0118] 21a electric applicator

[0119] 21b electric applicator

[0120] 21c electric applicator

[0121] 24 second support structure

[0122] 30 carrier vehicles

[0123] 31 PTO

[0124] 32 Generator

[0125] 33 Transformation and Control Unit

[0126] FR Direction of travel R Residual ripple value t Time

[0127] U electrical voltage

[0128] U_ Equivalent value

[0129] UMax maximum value

[0130] UMin minimum value

[0131] UST peak-trough value

[0132] S100 step

[0133] S200 Step

[0134] S300 step

[0135] S400 step

Claims

Patent claims Method for reducing unwanted voltage flashovers during electrical treatments of plants, in particular during desiccation of crops, for green manure control or for weed control, at least comprising the step: (S300) Applying an electrical voltage (U) with a peak-to-valley value (UST) of less than 1000 V to plants, wherein the electrical voltage (U) is a rectified and smoothed electrical direct voltage which is composed additively of a constant direct value (U_) and a residual ripple value (R), wherein the residual ripple value (R) fluctuates with the peak-to-valley value (UST) between a maximum value (UMax) and a minimum value (UMin).Treatment device (1) for the electrical treatment of plants, in particular for desiccating field crops, for controlling green manure, or for controlling weeds. To reduce unwanted voltage surges, the treatment device (1) is designed to apply an electrical voltage (U) with a peak-to-valley value (UST) of less than 1000 V to plants. The electrical voltage (U) is a rectified and smoothed direct voltage composed of a constant direct current value (U_) and a residual ripple value (R), the residual ripple value (R) fluctuating with the peak-to-valley value (UST) between a maximum value (UMax) and a minimum value (UMin). A carrier vehicle (30), in particular a self-propelled agricultural machine or trailer, comprising a treatment device (1) according to claim 2.Kit containing components of a treatment device (1) according to claim 2 for forming a carrier vehicle (30) according to claim 3.

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