Biomechanism and Bioenergy Research
Volume:2 Issue: 2, Summer and Autumn 2023

In order to reduce leachate from food waste a conventional tray cabinet dryer was designed and built, and the drying process of these wastes was investigated. A 2.7 kW heater equipped with an axial fan was used as the heating source. The experiments were performed at three temperatures of 50, 60, and 70 °C and three air velocities of 1, 1.5, and 2 m/s with a thickness of 3 cm. A conventional tray was used for drying. The Drying kinetics, effective moisture diffusivity and activation energy during drying of food waste were obtained. Results showed that improving air distribution in the back of the tray and no passing air on the sides of the tray causes that increase the drying rate significantly. The minimum drying process was occurred in temperature of 70°C and air velocity of 2 m/s at the 120 min. Effective moisture diffusivity of waste food during the drying process was in the range of 2.74×10-9-3.65×10-8 m2/s. The values for activation energy have ranged from a minimum of 21.6 kJ/mol in 1.5 m/s air velocity up to a maximum of 64.0 kJ/mol in 2m/s air velocity.

The ever increase in global population and consequently daily increase in energy consumption are casing various environmental pollution and worldwide climate changes. Replace fossil with different type of clean and renewable energy or decreasing the consumption of petroleum-based fuels will greatly reduce the hazardous effects of fossil fuels. Biohydrogen is a suitable alternative source of energy that can reduce dependency on conventional fuels. In this research the effect of the external oxido-reduction system on biohydrogen production from glucose fermentated in a dark medium was carried out and the effect of oxidation potential on biohydrogen production from clostridium acetobutylicum was investigated.  The maximum hydrogen production rate and accumulative hydrogen were calculated using the modified Gompertz equation.  Results show that the increase of voltage to 600 mV, leads to an increase of 25% in hydrogen production rate and a 19% increase in yield. It was also observed that the amount of undesired end products like ethanol and lactate decreased with the increase of oxidation potential and the acetate to butyrate ratio (A/B) increased from 0.82 to 1.52 when the voltage was raised to 600 mV.

Wheat is the most important crop and food in the feed consumption pattern. By reducing wheat loss in the harvesting stage, it is possible to significantly increase the production of this crop. Due to the acceptance of farmers in the use of straw collecting combines, the number of this type of combines is increasing, especially for harvesting wheat. This research was conducted in order to investigate the effect of spike density per unit area (340, 350 and 440) and the combine forward speed (1, 2 and 3 km/h) on the percentage of quality loss of wheat in harvesting with a straw collecting combine in Khorramabad city. In this research, Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to model and minimize the wheat quality loss. The results showed that process variable was statistically significant as quadratic regression model for response (p<0.01). The wheat quality loss is strongly influenced by the combine forward speed and the spike density per unit area. The lowest percentage of wheat quality loss (1.9%) was related to the speed of 1 km/h and the spike density of 340 spikes/m2.

Tire is the main connection between a vehicle and the road that significantly affects the dynamic behavior and the performance of it.  Tires also influence other characteristics of vehicles such comprising fuel consumption, handling, ride quality, traction, braking performance and stability. The importance of investigating the contact patch is valuable from perspective of increasing traction efficiency to reducing fuel consumption. In this research, the contact patch of the wheel was investigated based on experimental-analytical methods. The dynamically contact tire patch was utilized using an image processing technique. Then, contact patch was modeled by the Bat algorithm considering the load on the tire and inflation pressure. Evaluation of the model revealed that error rate compared with observed data (extracted from image processing) is equal to 4%. The calculated coefficient of determination (R2) for this model was 95% which indicates the high credibility of the model for dynamic conditions.

Recent research has proven that magnetic field application enhanced the percentage of germinated seed and shortened the period of seed germination. In present research in order to evaluation of the effect of magnetic field on seed germination and seedling growth indices of smooth leaf type parsley seeds and also the stability of magnetic properties on this seed, the quadrupole magnetic field was used. The experiment was conducted as factorial in a completely randomized design with three replications. Factors include; magnetic field intensity (150, 300 and 450 mT), time exposure (30, 60 and 90 min) and culture time (0, 7 and 14 days after the magnetic field application). The results of ANOVA showed the magnetic field had a significant effect on shoot length, fresh root weight and dry shoot weight (p≥0.01) and on fresh shoot weight (p≥0.05). Duration of the field application (time exposure), significantly affected on root length (p≥0.01). Culture time had a significant effect on root length, fresh root weight and dry shoot weight (p≥0.01) and also had a significant effect on other factors (p≥0.05). Culture time without delay after applying magnetic field (0 day) increased the root length and culture time at the 14 days after applying magnetic field increased the shoot length, fresh weight of root, fresh shoot weight, dry root weight and dry root weight. Our results suggest that magnetic field and culture time treatments can be used as a physical technique to improve the most of seedling growth indices of parsley seeds.

Every year, frost causes the loss of many agricultural products. There is numerous equipment to protect plants against frost. Late turning on these equipment causes inefficiency in raising the air temperature, and early turning them on will increases energy consumption and costs. Therefore, accurately forecasting frost is crucial for turning on the equipment on time. In this research, an intelligent radiation frost forecasting and warning system (IFFS) based on the Internet of Things (IoT) technology was designed and constructed. This system comprises a wireless sensor, computing, and intelligent forecasting based on deep learning methods and warning announcements to the farmer by a message. Intelligent forecasting based on forecasting dew point temperature for the next three hours according to the in-situ measurement of temperature and relative humidity of the air. The meteorological data of the studied regain from 2011-2021 were used to train the network. The IFFS Performance was evaluated. Based on the obtained results, the system accuracy in measuring temperature and relative humidity of the air was 99% and 98%, respectively. The F-score of the IFFS obtained 96%, and the system accuracy in the warning announcement obtained 100%. Finally, applying the IFFS for better protection of plants is recommended.

Three parameters of soil, vertical load and tire play a role in determining vehicle traction force in the process of soil and tire interaction.  The complexity of the situation and the variability of variables such as the soil-tire contact area and contact pressure make it difficult to develop traction force estimation models. In this study, the first step involved developing a traction force prediction model under the assumption of a variable contact area and contact pressure, and developing a mathematical model to predict off-road vehicle traction force. The obtained model includes seven parameters related to tire, load, soil and tire dynamics of wheel movement, which are vertical load, soil-tire contact length, tire width, slip, soil cohesion, soil shear deformation parameter and angle of internal shear resistance. A statistical population with five levels for each of its component parameters was created to study the impact of those parameters. The Taguchi method was used to examine the relationship between parameters and traction force. The Taguchi method is employed to determination the key factors that significantly impact a process, also it employs a systematic experimental design, to minimize the number of experiments needed. The results confirmed that all seven parameters had a significant impact on the amount of traction force and established the relative importance of their effects on one another. As a result, the tire width and slip parameters played the most and the least roles in improving traction force, respectively.

Accurate assessment and monitoring of plant water stress are essential for optimizing irrigation strategies, improving water use efficiency. This article explores the multifaceted issue of water stress, encompassing both agricultural and environmental contexts. It emphasizes the pivotal role of precise water stress detection in effectively managing water resources and fostering sustainable agricultural practices. The primary focus is on the progression of sensors designed specifically to detect water stress, with particular attention given to two approaches: Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI). The article thoroughly investigates the underlying principles, operational mechanisms, advantages, and limitations of these sensor technologies. It vividly showcases their wide-ranging applications across agriculture, horticulture, and environmental monitoring, elucidating their significance in each domain. Moreover, it delves into the integration of VPD and CWSI sensors and introduces emerging technologies like thermal imaging and chlorophyll fluorescence sensors, expanding the horizon of water stress detection methodologies. Addressing the challenges linked to calibration and data interpretation, the article proposes potential pathways for future research endeavors. In essence, the overarching goal of this article is to propel the development of advanced sensor technologies, ultimately facilitating precise water stress detection. It aims to bolster sustainable water resource management practices while fortifying resilient agricultural methods in the face of evolving environmental challenges. VPD and CWSI-based approaches offer precise water stress insights in agriculture, aiding irrigation management.

Due to different reasons, such as the destructive effects of fossil fuel consumption, climate changes, global warming, and threats to human health, biomass is considered as alternate fuel. This biofuel is the most widespread source of renewable energy, and its scientific exploitation is increasing.  In this research, pistachio pruning residues including leaves and stems were separately used as a source for biomass and their combustion and heat characteristics were investigated. A TGA device was used for thermal analysis and the combustion properties including enthalpy of combustion, high heating value (HHV) and low heating value (LHV) were measured experimentally and by using regression equations. The amounts of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin in stem were 48%, 16%, and 15%, respectively, and the same materials for leaves were 35%, 19%, and 32%, respectively. The high calorific value was calculated using regression equations, which were calculated as 17.5 MJ/kg for stem and 14.5 MJ/kg for leaves. The results showed that the two methods for determining the HHV and LHV were in good agreement with each other. The TGA analysis of the samples showed that the thermal decomposition of stem and leaves starts at a temperature of about 220°C, but during the initial stage of decomposition, the decomposition rate for stem is more severe than the decomposition rate of leaves.

Today, concerns regarding global warming resulting from fossil fuel usage and the depletion of these resources have led individuals to consider alternative, clean energy sources. Renewable energies such as solar energy are non-polluting, inexhaustible resources, serving as an excellent alternative to fossil fuels. Solar concentrate sunlight, directing it towards the solar oven. Utilizing renewable energy for cooking not only saves time and money but also ensures safety and security. The aim of this research is to construct and assess a solar oven equipped with a point Fresnel lens. The evaluations were conducted over a three-day period in March 2023. The maximum total thermal efficiency obtained for heating the milk for three days with different radiation intensity, wind speed and ambient temperature tested was 45%, 72.7% and 90%, respectively. The findings indicated that the solar oven could raise the milk temperature to 80℃ within one hour. The maximum attainable performance of this system was 90%.

Energy supply is one of the most important current issues in the world. The most uses of fossil fuels are for providing power to internal combustion engines. The increase in the global price of fossil fuels and the environmental concerns have made researchers to look for alternate sources of energies, such as biofuels. The main disadvantage of biofuels is their low heating values. However, they can be used as gasoline additives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the energy balance of a four-cylinder gasoline engine with ethanol and n-butanol alcohols in different volume percentages at three different engine speed of 1000, 1500, 2000 rpm. The results showed that the engine brake power increased in fuel blends that contain bio-alcohols compared to pure gasoline fuel. Also, by increasing the engine speed, the engine brake power of the fuel blends increased so that at 2000 rpm, the G70E15B15 fuel blend had the highest brake power of 47.1 kW. Also, the exhaust heat loss in fuel blends containing ethanol and n-butanol increased compared to pure gasoline, and also increased with the increase in engine speed. The lowest exhaust heat loss of 3.98 kW related to pure gasoline at 1000 rpm and the highest exhaust heat loss of 6.38 kW for G70E15B15 fuel blend at 2000 rpm were obtained. Pure gasoline fuel had lower heat loss of cooling system than other fuel blends. Heat loss of cooling system decreased with increasing speed from 1000 to 2000 rpm. Therefore, the G70E15B15 fuel blend with 11.01 kW and pure gasoline with 2.89 kW had the highest and lowest heat loss of cooling system, respectively.

Due to the shortage of water resources and frequent droughts, optimizing the use of food resources to provide feed for animal is an important issue. In this study, pistachio shells were collected and stored in open air environment to reduce their moisture content. Then, they were powdered using a grinder to produce pellets using a developed hydraulic pelletizer, and the mechanical properties of the produced pellets were measured using a biological material testing machine. An experimental design with four factors, including moisture levels of 15 and 20%, particle sizes of 0.6 and 1 mm, mold diameters of 8 and 10 mm, and compression pressures of 6,000, 8,000 and 11,000 kPa, was carried out in a completely randomized design. The density, fracture energy, and toughness of the produced pellets were measured. The results showed that the independent effects of moisture, mold diameter, and compression pressure were significant on all the above properties (P ≤ 0.05), and the effect of particle size was significant on the density and toughness of the pellets (P ≤ 0.05). Additionally, some of their interactions had a significant effect on the density, fracture energy, and toughness of the pellets (P ≤ 0.05). The coefficient of variation and determination coefficient were 1.92% and R2= 0.83 for density, 25.42% and R2= 0.49 for fracture energy, and 66.23%, R2= 0.41 for pellet toughness, respectively. Therefore, producing pellets from pistachio shell waste can be a good option to reduce transportation costs, produce Animal feed, and reduce environmental pollution.

To minimize potential damage, it is crucial to carefully harvest greenhouse crops like tomatoes at the optimal time. To improve this process, the use of robotic harvesting methods has been proposed. The robotic harvester consists of important components including a mobile platform with robotics, displacement units that can move linearly or rotationally, a manipulator, a gripper, a camera, an image processing-based fruit detection unit, and a depth sensor. A robotic manipulator with three linear degrees of freedom was created in the Cartesian coordinate system. To enhance its capabilities, a gripper mechanism was incorporated, providing an additional rotational degree of freedom. The primary objective of this robot was to autonomously detect the position of ripe tomatoes. To achieve this, the displacement control of both the robot arms and gripper was executed through commands from the image processing unit. Different channel of some color space was studied. The effectiveness of this channels was assessed by conducting tests in the presence of tomato plants. The accuracy of the system in approaching the crop were thoroughly evaluated. Channels H of HSV color space, Cr of YCrCb color space, and a of Lab color space showed better result. The accuracy of detecting ripe tomatoes in channel H of HSV color space was the highest and 87%.

In order to investigate the impact of four types of consumed fuels on the emission of exhaust gases from two common car engines (TYPE I and TYPE II) under identical conditions, an experimental study was conducted in Islam Abad Gharb, the central location for automotive technical. The study followed factorial completely randomized design with six replicates. After preparing the engines according to relevant standards, sampling was carried out while the engines were idling at a low RPM with the gear lever in neutral. The fuels examined in this research comprised export gasoline, super gasoline, regular gasoline, and CNG gas. The measured exhaust gases exhausted from the engines included oxygen (O2), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and nitrogen oxides (NOX). These gases were compared with international standards and those set by automotive technical inspection centers. The results indicated that the volumetric percentages of oxygen produced during the combustion of export gasoline are 0.14% and 0.04% for TYPE II and TYPE I engines, respectively. Additionally, carbon monoxide percentages are 0.016% and 0.023% for TYPE II and TYPE I engines. Furthermore, carbon dioxide emissions are 8.56% and 10.20% for TYPE II and TYPE I engines, respectively. The TYPE I engine exhibits a lower impact on hydrocarbon emissions across all fuels. In terms of nitrogen oxide (NOx) concentrations, the TYPE I engine consistently plays a lesser role compared to the TYPE II engine for all tested fuels.