Innovazioni tecnologiche della meccanizzazione dedicata alle piantagioni da biomassa a scopi energetici: aspetti produttivi, economici ed ambientali
Author(s)
Civitarese, Vincenzo
Date Issued
May 28, 2013
Type
Doctoral Thesis
Abstract
The Ph.D. activity focused on the development of machinery, systems, and processes
capable to improve the efficiency of agroforestry-energy chains, with particular reference to
planting and harvesting. The innovations produced were tested in the field in order to assess their
operational and economic potential, as well as their qualitative and environmental benefits.
Concerning planting, an automatic device for planting cuttings and a semi automatic machine for
transplanting poplar poles were developed. These innovations brought about many economic,
operational, and ergonomic benefits, such as the reduction of planting cost (-8%), the higher surface
worked per year, and the improvement of working conditions for operators.
Concerning the harvesting of two-years poplar plantation, a new machine designed for harvesting
and windrowing trees was specifically realized for two-pass operations. Use of this prototype can
determine a 50% reduction of harvesting cost, and increase the surface worked per year.
The experience gained with two-pass harvesting of biennial poplar coppice has allowed to develop
an ideal technique for five-year poplar coppice. In this respect, a new machine able to cut and
windrow five years old trees and a self-propelled chipper with pick-up head were realized. The new
system has allowed to simplify and speed up the working phases, minimizing biomass handling and
the use of machines or equipment.
Furthermore, the technical characteristics of the self-propelled chipper favor efficient use also in
two-year poplar plantations, both for single-pass and two-pass harvesting, thus solving many of
problems encountered when using modified forage harvesters.
The introduction of a new process requires an accurate analysis of its potential environment and
product quality impacts.
The study allowed evaluating the influence of moisture content on the particle size distribution of
the chips produced. Furthermore, a model was developed for describing the drying process of cut
trees windrowed in the inter-rows, as a function of the in-field storage period. These two aspects are
of great importance, and they rank among the main factors to be taken into account when
determining the wood biomass quality.
Two-pass harvesting was also developed to prevent soil compaction and disturbance. In fact, the
study has shown the lower degree of compaction produced by the new machine for felling and
windrowing poplar trees, compared to modified foragers use in conventional operations.
Additional information
Dottorato di ricerca in Scienze e tecnologie per la gestione forestale e ambientale
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