Aerodynamic Performance Evaluation of Sugarcane Harvester Extractor Based on CFD

Abstract

The ability of extractors to remove impurities has an important effect on harvesting quality and the benefit to sugar mills and sugarcane growers. Due to the low impurity removal efficiency of the existing harvesters, improving the performance of extractors is an urgent problem to address. In this paper, a series of simulation analyses were carried out using an existing extractor. A simplified model of the extractor was established, and the realizable k–ε turbulence model was used to calculate the airflow distribution and performance curves of the extractor for various impeller speeds. The simulations were in good agreement with the previously measured results. The results revealed that the impeller speed affects only the air velocity in the airflow field; it does not affect the velocity distribution of the airflow field. The structure of the discharge hood should be improved to avoid local eddy currents and an uneven distribution of airflow velocity. Additionally, increasing the impeller speed can enhance the adaptability of the extractor to a higher cane feed rate. This research will be helpful for guiding the design and optimization of sugarcane harvester extractors.