Orchards are blossoming 10-20 days early all over Italy due to the weather conditions. Of course, this means frost could compromise harvests. An interesting yet simple solution for this was presented at Fruit Logistica 2018.
We are basically talking about a large mobile fan powered by a combustion engine that can be moved around fields with a tractor. Two models are currently available: a small one that can be used on up to 3.5 hectares and a larger one for up to 5.5 hectares. The first is equipped with a 23 cv petrol engine, while the second is a 30 cv diesel engine.
But how do these giant fans work? This technique uses air turbulence and recycles ascending heat. In the plains, the fan rotates 360° to protect the largest area possible. The upper warmer layers are mixed with the colder ones to avoid freezing. The fan can be used in hilly and mountain areas as well.
Thanks to their compact size and their height, they can be placed between rows that are just two metres apart. The smallest model has eight one-metre long blades that move the air at 20 m/s. The tower movement is hydraulic.
The fans turn on automatically when the sensor detects temperatures at risk and can also be connected to weather stations. The larger model uses 6 litres of diesel an hour.
Contacts:
Schillinger
Bürchleweg, 8
D-79241 Ihringen
Tel.: +49 (0) 7668 970957 - 0
Email: towandblow-europe@gmx.de
Web: www.schillinger-beregnungsanlagen.de
Schillinger
Bürchleweg, 8
D-79241 Ihringen
Tel.: +49 (0) 7668 970957 - 0
Email: towandblow-europe@gmx.de
Web: www.schillinger-beregnungsanlagen.de