Mobile Heating Device for Crop Frost Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for preventing frost damage in crops and improving fructification at low temperatures are energy-intensive, costly, and not economically feasible for smaller fields, with existing solutions either inefficient or environmentally harmful.
Innovation Solution
A method involving periodic heating and cooling of air between a minimum and maximum temperature with a minimal temperature variation of 0.2°C, using a device with a centrifugal fan and heating means controlled by an algorithm to achieve this temperature fluctuation, which is more energy-efficient and cost-effective.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heat sources are set up between crops to raise temperature, then frost damage is avoided, but the method is very time-consuming and energy consumption is very high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using a mobile heating device that moves back and forth across the field, periodically heating different zones. The device activates heating elements in sequence as it traverses the field, providing intermittent rather than continuous heating across the entire area, thereby reducing total energy consumption while maintaining frost protection effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile heating device utilizes its own motion and positioning system to service different areas of the field sequentially. The device carries multiple heating elements that are activated based on its position, allowing it to self-regulate energy distribution across the field without requiring external control infrastructure, thus improving energy efficiency.
2Reliability
If heat sources are set up between crops to raise temperature, then frost damage is avoided, but setting up and lighting the sources is very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single mobile device: the heating elements, the positioning system, and the control mechanism are integrated into one unit that can be moved and deployed quickly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate setup of multiple stationary heat sources, significantly reducing preparation time while maintaining frost protection capability.
3Reliability
If devices heat and blow air over crops, then heat is directed better towards crops, but energy consumption is still very high
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile heating device applies periodic action by moving through the field in sequences, activating heating elements only in the current zone being serviced. This intermittent heating approach, combined with the mobile platform's natural air movement, provides adequate heat direction to crops without requiring continuous high-energy forced air circulation systems.
4Temperature
If wind turbines and helicopters are used to mix air layers, then temperature on ground rises, but such devices consume much energy and can only be applied when temperature inversion exists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems like wind turbines and helicopters with a simpler mobile heating device that uses controlled heating elements and natural convection. This substitution eliminates the need for temperature inversion conditions and大幅 reduces energy consumption while achieving the same goal of raising ground temperature for frost protection.
5Reliability
If crops are sprinkled to protect against freezing, then frost damage is avoided, but large amounts of water must be made available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the water-based frost protection method with a thermal approach using a mobile heating device. Instead of relying on water phase change (which requires large water quantities), the device directly applies heat to raise temperatures above freezing, thereby achieving frost protection without the need for large water supplies.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces energy consumption while effectively preventing frost damage and enhancing fructification, making it suitable for smaller fields without the economic drawbacks of existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
heating means (13) to heat the air which is drawn in by the fan (6)
Implementation Method 2
a fan (6) which is provided with driving means in the form of a motor (11)... an outlet (5), directed tangentially to the rotor housing (9) of the fan (6), where the air is blown out
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Method for avoiding frost damage in crops (35) and/or for improving the fructification at low temperatures, characterized in that it consists in periodically heating and cooling the air on the site of the crops (35) between a minimum and a maximum temperature with a minimal temperature variation of 0.2°C.