Phase I research will demonstrate the feasibility of a new cracked grain monitor that can mount directly onto a combine to detect breakage in a variety of clean grains while they are being harvested. When integrated into a closed-loop threshing control system, this sensor will greatly improve the quality of grain by providing real-time monitoring and control of cracked grain percentages, will reduce the number of combine accidents by eliminating dangerous and time-consuming manual adjustments presently required to assure grain quality, and will support automated and autonomous farming methods currently being developed. The effort will include lab experiments to determine specific reactions in grain samples and the performance of sensor components under a variety of operating parameters. Limited field tests will also be conducted using a functional prototype based on the results of the lab experiments.Applications:Upon the successful completion of Phase I and Phase II, the commercial development of a real-time cracked grain monitor for combines will begin. Phoenix intends to market this product to major combine manufacturers for use in closed-looped control systems for improved process control and automation during combine harvesting. A leading combine manufacturer has expressed the desire to collaborate with Phoenix. Further applications are seen in other types of harvesting equipment, such as forage harvesters, and throughout the grain handling industries.
