A Simulation Model of an Alfalfa hay Yield Monitoring System on the Square Baler

Before fabrication of any system, development of its simulation model can improve designer's understanding about strengths and weaknesses of the system. As a result, fabrication phase can be done without trial and error method. In this study a simulation model for alfalfa hay yield monitoring system on the baler was developed. Simulation of the yield measuring section led to the numerical solution of a first order differential equation. Dead reckoning method was used for simulation of the coordinates determination section. According to the results of this study: In the model of yield measuring section, the retardation time was shown. This retardation time is considered to take into account the required time for reaching crop from the ground to the baling channel. There were jagged shapes in the simulated data which coincide with changes in type of data variations. Therefore when the measured data faced a sudden change, a jagged shape will result in the simulated data. It was recommended to use each bale bulk density measuring system on the baler. In order to increase the accuracy of the coordinates determination section, it was essential to use ballast or spring pressure on the ground wheel.