You are on page 1of 10

INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

EQUIPMENT USED TO HARVEST BIOMASS FROM LAKE AREAS


/
UTILAJE FOLOSITE PENTRU RECOLTAREA BIOMASEI DIN AREALELE LACUSTRE

Vasilica ȘTEFAN, Ana-Maria CONSTANTIN, Lucreția POPA, Emil TUDOR, Ciprian MIRON
1)
INMA Bucharest, Romania, 2) ICPE-CA / Romania
*Tel:+40722245443; *E-mail: valle_vali@yahoo.com

Keywords: harvesting equipment, water surface biomass, lake areas

ABSTRACT
The use of renewable energy sources (biomass) for the production of green energy is essential for reducing
the dependence on fossil fuels, especially in the current external context. The harvesting of lake biomass
can be done at the surface of the water and/or in depth, on a narrow or wide width, at a slow or accelerated
pace, depending on the needs The world-wide technology of harvesting lake biomass consists of harvesting
it, with specialized machines in order to reduce the need for manpower, this operation was carried out
manually. This article presents the main existing equipment worldwide for the harvesting of lake biomass.

REZUMAT
Utilizarea surselor de energie regenerabila (biomasă) pentru producere de energie verde este esentială
pentru reduerea dependenței de combustibibili fosili ma ales in contextual actual extern. Recoltarea
biomasei lacustre poate fi realizată la suprafața apei și/sau în adâncime, pe culoare de lățime îngustă sau
largă, în ritm lent sau accelerat, în funcție de necesități Tehnologia de recoltare a biomasei lacustre la nivel
mondial constă în recoltarea acesteia, cu mașini specializate pentru reducerea necesarului de forta de
munca are realizau manual aceasta oprație. Acest articol prezinta principalele echipamente existente la
nivel mondial pentru recoltarea biomasei lacustre.

INTRODUCTION
An increased use of energy from renewable sources (biomass) is essential to reduce both the EU's
greenhouse gas emissions and the Union's dependence on fossil fuels and energy imports, thus contributing
to the security of its energy supply. Moreover, energy from renewable sources can play an important role as
a vector of sustainable development in rural areas.
Aquatic plants are an important component of lake ecosystems and are often considered as
indicators of lake environmental change, having an important role in maintaining the structure and function of
lake ecosystems. Vegetation is an important component of wetland ecosystems, and aquatic vegetation
produces and stores significant amounts of carbon in the form of biomass, representing a major component
of the carbon balance due to its high growth rate and high productivity
Common reed (Phragmites australis.) is one of the most widespread plants worldwide. It grows
mostly in wetlands around lakes and bays, along riverbanks and on nutrient-rich peatlands. It usually forms
large monospecies stands and tends to propagate vegetatively. The preferred water level varies from slightly
below the soil surface to one meter above the soil level. However, on the one hand, it can grow in deep
water, with some cases up to about four meters in very transparent oligotrophic waters. Although reeds grow
mainly in fresh water, they can also grow in up to 16% salt water. The biomass resulting from reeds is
influenced by various factors: surface area, temperature, humidity, vegetation area, vegetation period, etc.
Harvesting of aquatic biomass can be done at the surface of the water and/or at depth, in narrow or
wide swaths, at a slow or fast pace, depending on the needs.
The world-wide technology for harvesting lake biomass consists of harvesting it, as a rule, with
specialized machines, but manual harvesting is also practiced.
In Europe, high-performance tracked equipment for harvesting aquatic biomass has been developed
for over 40 years by the German company Berky GmbH, which is one of the world leaders in the production
and marketing of equipment and systems for water management, especially for cleaning lakes and streams
of water from invasive aquatic vegetation, algae and various wastes. These harvesting machines are

544
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

designed and manufactured in accordance with the latest standards regarding water stability, performance
and operational safety as well as environmental protection.
Wheeled or crawler harvesting equipment for harvesting biomass usually consists of equipment that cuts
the plant and ties it into bundles, a driving station, with or without a cabin, a tipping platform or hopper and, in
some cases, plant conveyors or sheaves between the cutting machine and the transport platform or hopper.
These machines are difficult to handle due to their large dimensions and cannot harvest reeds in deep
water conditions. The buoyancy of the machine is no load or light load, and the equipment is not buoyant. The
harvesting process is carried out with the help of 2-6 people. The machines are usually self-propelled, equipped
with wheels with low-pressure, wide-width tires, produced in small numbers and intended for existing
manufacturers.
The mowers are with two or three wheels, they have accessories depending on the various
harvested crops, when the reeds are harvested, the reeds are cut and possibly tied into bundles. The
collection and storage of the cut plants or the sheaves is done later using other machines (a lot of manual
work and danger regarding the degradation of bushy areas due to the large number of passes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS


Harvesting equipment on wheels or tracks
The SEIGA ranges of machines, very popular in Hungary, are efficient for reed harvesting in dry
areas or in water areas with a depth of less than1 meter. The buoyancy of the machines does not allow the
transport of the cargo in deep water conditions, and harvesting in deep water is not possible. The car is
equipped with low-pressure, wide-width tires. The car is heavy (3 tons), difficult to handle and very
expensive. It is a machine that can be used in the economic zone of Danube Delta.

Fig. 1 - Seiga 4x4 vehicle Fig. 2 - Seiga 6x6 machine


(https://seigaharvester.5mp.eu) (https://seigaharvester.5mp.eu)

The machine is equipped with a Zetor diesel engine: in 4 cylinders with a power of 45 kW. Drive is
4x4 or 6x6. The unladed weight of the car is 2,870 kg (3,270 kg for 6x6). Tire size: 1,305 x 1,200 x 24 mm.
The equipment has a total length: 6,240 mm (7,460 mm for 6x6); the length of the platform is 4,680 mm
(6,180 mm for 6x6). working width: 3,200 mm; height without load: 2,490 mm. The speed of movement of the
machines during work is a maximum of 15 km/h and 3 to 6 people are needed for operation. They have a
productivity of 4,000 sheaves per day.
REEDA REED HARVESTER (Poland) machine is built on the basis of a German tractor equipped
with Italian tracks. It Works perfectly on swampy ground, in water up to 60 cm depth, when there is no ice.
The machine is heavy for its size (due to the tracks) and cannot work in the specific conditions of the RBDD.

Fig. 3 - Reeda Harvester machine (https://www.exporthub.com/reeda-harvesters/)


545
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

It is equipped with a V-twin, air-cooled, 30 kW diesel engine with a fuel consumption of 3 l/h. The
gearbox is 8 forward + 8 reverse. The tracks or wheels have a width of 60 cm which ensure movement on all
types of terrain in any condition. Car dimensions are width2.2 m and length 5 m. It has a productivity of 1,000
sheaves/hour and 2-3 people are needed for operation. Weighs 2,500 kg and is equipped with a tipping
loading platform.
The mowers BCS 622, is used both for harvesting grassy cereals, alfalfa and for harvesting reeds
and reeds (it has a device for tying sheaves). The mower is equipped with a Lombardini 3LD450 diesel
engine10 CP (7.5 kW), 4-stroke, air cooling, manual start, consumption 1.4 l/h. It has a gearbox in an oil bath
with 4 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed, dry clutch, with manual operation and cardan transmission. The
working width is between 1.27 and 1.40 m, and the cutting device is of the type with fingers and cutting
blades. It has a weight of 445/485 kg and a productivity of 7,500 m2/h.

a) b)
Fig. 4 - BCS 622 chainsaws (https://agrisorg.com/produs/motocositoare-bcs-622-lombardini)
a) the classic version b) with a system for tying in bundles

Floating or amphibious harvesting equipment


The boat mower LK-12A is intended for underwater cutting of reeds in ponds and lakes. Mower is
composed of boat body with paddle propulsion, Honda thermal engine power source, cutting device located
at the front of the boat, steering control mechanism.

Fig. 5 - Boat for reed harvesting LK-12A (https://renaissancestar.ro/produse/utilaje-pentru-fin-si-furaje/masini-


de-cosit-si-recoltat-furaje/barca-pentru-taiat-stuf-lk-12a-2/)

The boat has the following technical characteristics: working width 2.1 m, cutting depth, maximum
1.1 m, draft 0.22 m, working speed 4 km/h, the power of the Honda engine with which it is equipped is 8 kW,
weight 0.8 t and productivity 0.2 - 0.6 ha/h. The overall dimensions are: length 5.56m, width 2.2m and height
2.4m.
Cutting boat with side knife and fork
The Conver C485II and C485F models, produced by HYDROCAT CO. LTD are designed and built to
be able to clean and cut reeds, grasses, roots, surfaced and submerged, from the shores of lakes,
reservoirs, ponds, ponds and waterways and irrigation canals, etc.
Applications:
• Cutting the aquatic and underwater vegetation layer on the lake, pond, pond, pond, waterway,
irrigation canal, reservoir, etc.
• Cutting the grasses and weeds from the embankments and banks.

546
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

• Removing floating debris from water surfaces and storing them on shore or in a barge.

Fig. 6 - Conver C485II and C485F boat (https://ozoncompany.ro/utilaje-si-echipamente-intretinere-pe-apa/barca-


taiat-stuf-c485/)

Side cutter knife of weeds for dikes and banks can perform cutting both in water and on dikes and
banks. The knife has a double-action cutting system and a long cutting length. One can choose, depending
on the type of work, between a knife with actuation above or one with actuation below. The boom extension
is mechanical or optionally hydraulic.
Weed fork is used for collecting, cleaning, greening and collecting vegetation, brooms and garbage.
Two removable side extensions can be added to it. It can have rigid or flexible teeth. The forward vegetation
tipper is mounted on a long loading arm.
Technical data working width: 1.85 m. Transport dimensions LxWxH: 4.8 x 1.85 x 0.8 m and
maximum load: 2,200 kg.
Benefit these types of boats are characterized by the high maneuverability of the cutter but also the
small dimensions of the boat that allow the harvesting of lake biomass from narrow channels or shallow
lakes.
Disadvantage given the fact that several operations are required for harvesting, namely cutting, then
loading into the bucket and transporting it to shore every time the bucket is full.

T-Blade Mower Boats


The Thai company HYDROCAT CO. LTD produces multi-functional amphibious machines for lake
and land maintenance. The Conver C550 model (Fig.7) is robust and flexible, suitable for mowing,
harvesting residual biomass, dredging, etc. The operator's space is mounted on a rotating platform that
allows him to rotate at the same time as the machine arm, similar to an excavator, thus maintaining good
visibility of harvesting operations. Also, the operator's compartment is flush-mounted so that it can be
removed from the car body, thus allowing easy access to the components located under the deck in case of
maintenance work. The car can get out of the water on slopes with an inclination of up to 30°.

Fig. 7 - Conver C550 Amphibious Multipurpose Machine (https://ozoncompany.ro/utilaje-si-echipamente-


intretinere-pe-apa/amfibie-utilitara-c550/)

The main technical characteristics of the Conver C550 amphibious car are: size 4.0 mx 2.2 mx 1.5
m, mass 4500 kg without accessories, ground force 150-200 g/cm2, maximum inclination 30° longitudinal,
20° transverse; 68 hp water-cooled diesel engine, 2 x 450 mm wide rubber tracks, double hydraulic pump for
track drive, 2 x 60 l diesel fuel tanks, 195 l hydraulic tank, oil flow 110 l/min, 200 bar .

547
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

a) b)
Fig. 8 - Boats equipped with a "T" knife
a) with paddles; b) without paddles model Conver C485
(https://conver.com/en/products/floating-machines/mowing-boats/c485)

Mowing boats of this type are equipped with a double "T" blade (which cuts both horizontally and
vertically) usually have an air-cooled Diesel engine that powers the boat. The transmission of power from the
engine to the vane wheels and the mower bar is purely mechanical. Paddle wheels on both sides of the boat's
stern drive the boat (fig. 8 a). A vertical and a horizontal mowing bar allow flexible mowing of lakes and canals
(fig8 a and b).
Technical characteristics a) Technical characteristics b)
• Length: 5,020 mm • Used to cut underwater vegetation.
• Width (without mower bar): 1,860 mm • To prevent the alteration of the water bottom,
• Height (max.): 2,000 mm which happens when excessive cutting of
• Mowing bar band - max: 2,460 mm vegetation is used, the knife in the shape of a
• Mowing depth - max.: 1,000 mm "T" will be used
• Machine performance: 0.3-1.0 ha/h • The "T" knife uses a double action of the
• Motor: Busatis system for both vertical and horizontal
• Fuel: diesel cuts.
• Stroke capacity: 505 cc • Wide horizontal cutting.
• Fuel tank capacity: 5.0 l • High cutting depth, hydraulically adjustable.
• Weight: 48.0 kg • The "T" knife can be fitted with a hydraulic
device that can be folded for transport or
pivoted, so that cutting can be done at an
angle or close to the boat.

Benefit these types of boats are represented by the fact that they cut the biomass at different depths, they
have dimensions that allow work in narrow channels, they have high productivity when cutting, but they have the
disadvantage that they do not harvest at the same time as cutting, thus requiring additional operations. Regarding
the drive, the classic diesel engine is noticeable, which is a polluter of the environment and in this case of the lake
area, affecting the aquatic flora and fauna and not only that.
One of the harvesting systems that perfectly combines the land vehicle and the boat in one machine is
the BERKY 6450 Amphi-King model (Fig.9). This is a compact, easy-to-maneuver model that allows harvesting
biomass both from the middle of the water surface but also on land, on the shore, in shallow places or in marshy
areas. The machine has a pivoting arm that allows easy mowing of aquatic vegetation, collection of biomass
residues and sludge evacuation.

548
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Fig. 9 - Amphibious machine on tracks for cleaning water from aquatic biomass
(https://weedooboats.com/amphiking-model-6450/)

The main technical features of this harvester are: 55kW/75hp 4-cylinder Diesel engine, 60 l capacity
fuel tank, water cooling, hydraulic drive, hydraulic propulsion, 2 tracks each driven by 2 oil-based engines ,
pedals for driving the tracks, joystick control unit, hydraulic pump 100 l, 220 bar, two-jointed arm, with
movement on 2700, arm length approx. 2.40 m, the maximum underwater operating depth of the boom of
1.5 m, with cutting system, the maximum height of the boom in the unloaded state of approx. 2 m. The
dimensions of the harvesting machine are: housing 3.80 mx 2.40 mx 1.00 m, table of approx. 3100 kg.
Travel speed is 7 km/h in water - front and 3.5 km/h in water - rear; 6 km/h on the ground (front and back).
The American company Hockney Underwater Weed Cutters Inc., Wisconsin, manufactures in
Sweden the amphibious harvesters TruxorUSA (Fig.10 ), which are used worldwide for cutting and
harvesting aquatic plants from lakes in environmentally friendly conditions. In Sweden, where there are more
than 100,000 lakes, this harvesting machine protects both the ecosystems in the lakes and those on the
lands on the move. TruxorUSA machines can be used on wild lakes but also on lakes and rivers inside
towns, in agreement areas or tourist resorts.

Fig. 10 - TruxorUSA amphibious harvesters


(http://www.aquaclearwatermanagement.com/contracting_truxor.php)

The accessories of TruxorUSA amphibious machines are diverse, adapted to the needs: cutting
weeds and reeds, dredging, digging, excavating, shredding, vacuuming oil spills, applying absorbent
materials such as chemicals, wood chipping, etc. The arm of the harvester has a joint that allows easy and
quick replacement of accessories. The system is operated by a Diesel engine, is operated by means of a
joystick and allows the operator to guide the vehicle in narrow spaces, in canals, around obstacles.
The company Josie Mae Inc., Florida, has been developing and refurbishing aquatic biomass
harvesting equipment for over 25 years, as a more affordable but efficient option for harvesting machines,
being equipped with a horizontal and vertical cutter, with a biomass capture and storage system. The
harvesting machines RH5-200 HARVESTER (left) and RH7-360 HARVESTER (right) shown in Fig.11 and
Fig. 12 are movable both on water and on land.

Fig. 11 - HARVESTER machine model RH5-200 Fig. 12 - HARVESTER machine model RH7-360
(http://www.usedaquaticweedharvestingequipment.com/Products.html)

549
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

HARVESTER harvesting equipment is designed for harvesting and storing large quantities of aquatic
biomass (approx. 13 m3), has a large size (length 10-12 m, max. weight 5450 kg), cutting capacity on a
width of max. 2.3 m, on a depth of max. 1.8 m), hydraulic twin paddle propulsion, 4-cycle, 4-cylinder, liquid-
cooled Diesel engine, 49.9 hp, 2800 rpm.

Fig. 13 - Small floating harvester (https://www.berky.de/en/berky-nereus-150/)

A floating model of aquatic biomass harvester developed by the German company Berky GmbH is
the BERKY 6310, a compact, small-sized, water-only machine that can harvest biomass in surface waters, at
shallow depths, in narrow areas or hard to reach, under bridges, etc. (Fig. 13) The machine is equipped with
a front loader, optionally a cutter protected by a collision protection from possible damage caused by
obstacles can be attached, but it does not include a storage platform or trailer for the harvested biomass.
The engine of the BERKY 6310 harvesting machine reaches maximum power even at low speeds
and the propulsion is by hydraulic pump. The main technical features are: 36kW/49hp Diesel engine in 4
cylinders, 60 l capacity fuel tank, cooling through the base of the floating casing, hydraulic drive bearing with
vegetation protection, hydraulic propulsion, steering wheel and pedal control, hydraulic pump with axial
piston for propulsion max. 39.6 l/min at 320 bar, hydraulic power provided by a 1300 rpm motor for
economical operation. The dimensions of the Berky 6310 harvester are: housing - 4.00 mx 1.55 mx 0.82 m,
in operation - 5.5 mx 1.55 mx 1.5 m, table approx. 1800 kg. The travel speed is 7 km/h in the front and 3.5
km/h in the back. For larger water areas and large amounts of biomass to be harvested, Berky GmbH has
developed the floating model BERKY 6520 which is equipped with a harvesting belt and a storage trailer
(Fig.14). The trailer can be unloaded on the ground in max. 30 seconds with the help of the conveyor belt.

Fig.14 - Floating car with biomass storage trailer


(https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Weed_harvester_6520_from_Berky.jpg)

The BERKY 6520 floating algae and aquatic plant harvesting system is equipped with a U-shaped
double blade cutter that simultaneously cuts and harvests plants below the water level.
The main technical features are: 55kW/75hp Diesel engine in 4 cylinders, 130 l capacity fuel tank,
cooling through the base of the floating housing, 2 hydraulic drive bearings with vegetation protection,
hydraulic propulsion, steering wheel and lever control, hydraulic pump for max. propulsion 130 l/min at 240
bar. The dimensions of the Berky 6520 harvester are: body - 6.00 mx 2.45 mx 1.00 m, in operation - 10 mx
3.20 mx 3.0 m, table approx. 6500kg, front conveyor belt length 3.8m, width 1.9m, storage conveyor belt
length 4.3m, width 1.9m, storage capacity 5.5m3, double blade cutter shaped of U, cutting width 2.3 m,
cutting depth 1.5 m. Travel speed is 7 km/h in front and 4 km/h in back. The BERKY 6520 machine is
optionally equipped with an aluminum pontoon,
The Australian company MOBITRAC produces aquatic biomass harvesting machines that can move
both on water and on land, through mud, on beaches or through swamps. MOBITRAC machines can cut,
550
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

harvest and store aquatic biomass (floating, underwater or on land), excavate, dredge and unclog
watercourses.
The floating amphibious model MOBITRAC 8000AU (Fig.15) is controlled by an operator through a
dual joystick system, is compact and has a small footprint: length 4.75 m, width 2.10 m, mass 1270 kg, can
be easily towed on a 4-wheel platform and moved to the place of use. The main technical characteristics of
the MOBITRAC 8000AU harvesting machine are: water-cooled Euro2 class engine, 3 cylinders, 29.1 hp, fuel
tank capacity 30 l, consumption 3.5 l/hour, engine cooling radiator and hydraulic system, 2 fuel pumps 21 cc
for hydraulic drive, 2 160 cc engines, 1 8.5 cc pump for accessories, hydraulic tank with 70 lt power limiter, is
equipped with electric generator and 12V, 45Ah shock-resistant battery.

Fig. 15 - MOBITRAC amphibious machine for harvesting aquatic biomass from the water and on the shore
(https://www.mobitrac.net.au/products/)

The MOBITRAC 8000AU model in the standard configuration includes a cutting attachment with
double action (horizontal, vertical), which does not require lubricant and can be used both for cutting
vegetation from the shore, from the water surface, from marshes or for cutting vegetation from water, the
cutting width being 2.1 m and the depth 1.5 m. (Fig.16 a) Also, the standard configuration includes a 2-3.5 m
extendable fork for collecting vegetation (Fig. 16 b).

a) b)
Fig. 16 - MOBITRAC standard accessories for cutting (a knife) and collecting aquatic biomass (b fork)
(https://www.mobitrac.net.au/products/)

Other accessories that can be optionally equipped on the MOBITRAC 8000AU harvester are:
digging bucket, root cutting blade, digging rake, etc. (Fig.17).

Fig. 17 - MOBITRAC optional accessories for excavation, cutting, digging


(https://www.mobitrac.net.au/products/)

The material from which the amphibious car and the pontoon are made is aluminum resistant to salt
water. It is powered by a Yanmar diesel engine, resistant to salt water. Another important manufacturer of
amphibious harvesters is the company Mavi Deniz Çevre Hiz. A.Ş., Turkey, which exports, since 2003, a
diverse range of amphibious machines under the name Amphibex and accessories for them.
551
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Amphibex harvesting machines (Fig. 18) are capable of cutting and harvesting aquatic vegetation,
algae and reeds, they can dredge, excavate, clean waters of oily material stains even from hard-to-reach
aquatic areas, without negatively affecting the environment. They can move on both water and mud, being
successfully used in activities aimed at conserving wetlands. The direction control is done with the help of a
joystick that allows to avoid obstacles and move through narrow channels. Cutting aquatic vegetation and
reeds can be done at a maximum depth of 2.2 m. The manufacturer offers 3 models, Amphibex AM 4700,
5000, 5500, being hydraulically propelled.

Fig. 18 - Amphibex harvester


(https://mavideniz.com.tr/vessels-boats/amphibious/amphibious-machine/)

The main technical characteristics of the three models AM 4700, AM 5000 and AM 5500 are
presented in table 1.
Table 1
Technical characteristics of Amphibex harvesters
(https://mavideniz.com.tr/vessels-boats/amphibious/amphibious-machine/)
Characteristic Model AM 4700 Model AM 5000 Model AM 5500
Length 4.7 m 4.7 m 4.7 m
Width 2.1 m 2.1 m 2.1 m
Height 2.1 m 2.1 m 2.1 m
Table 1370 kg 1400 kg 2400 kg
Engine type Diesel 33 hp, water cooling Diesel 45 hp, water Diesel 74, water
cooling cooling
Hydraulic oil tank 60 l 70 l 100 l
Lifting capacity 250 kg 250 kg 500 kg
Full speed 4 mph 4 mph 4 mph
Displacement system Rubber paddle Rubber paddle Padel rubber/tyres
Electrical system 12 V 12 V 12 V
Joystick command left and right left and right left and right
(front-back) (front-back) (front-back)
Material aluminum aluminum aluminum

In efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Turkish company Mavi Deniz, which produces
Amphibex amphibious machines has also developed models based on clean technologies such as mixed
fuel, solar energy, electric battery, hydrogen fuel cells, LPG systems, which can be integrated into the
equipment on deck and/or at the propulsion system.
The Chinese company RELONG TECH specializes in the production of aquatic equipment for
harvesting biomass or waste collection. Aquatic biomass harvesters are generally used for collecting floating
aquatic plants from lakes, rivers, canals or shores. They have large dimensions, but at the same time they
perform cutting, harvesting and loading in different containers or platforms. Harvesting machines are easy to
operate, high efficiency and stable performance. An operator can complete all collection, transmission,
drainage, storage and discharge processes just by controlling the buttons and switches on the control panel.
The AWH700 cuts the vegetation, collecting and storing the weeds on board the steel-built vessel
that has a single pontoon. At the same time, the collected algae can be filtered, drained, dried directly on the
ship, and all the collection, filtering and draining can be completed by a single operator through the on-board
control. The algae collection hole is equipped at the bow, and the filter drum is inside, which can prevent the
suction of large garbage.

552
INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM

Fig. 19 - Equipment AWH700- RELONG (https://www.relong-tech.com/product/category/aquatic_weed_harvester)

Fig. 20 - Aquatic vegetation collected (https://www.relong-tech.com/)


CONCLUSIONS
The current study was made in order to develop a new biomass harvester prototype, especially for
reed harvesting. Considering the multitude of technical solutions presented, the specialists will adopt the
best possible technology to achieve the main objective of the project. For the design and realization of the
lake biomass harvesting machine, an integrated approach of valorization in the loop will be applied, by
applying the principles of the circular economy, including lake biomass in energy valorization processes.
The machines presented are divided in two categories: Harvesting equipment on wheels or tracks
and Floating or amphibious harvesting equipment. Regardless of the category of which the equipment
belongs, they generally have a biomass cutting system, a collection area and a propulsion system. Most of
them are powered by classic diesel engines and very few are powered by electric motors.
The new technology for harvesting lake biomass will have a high degree of novelty by implementing
a system based on artificial intelligence (AI), it will be self-moving and operated by a remote control and, at
the same time, the equipment will operate entirely electrically, thus ecologically managing lake areas. The
machine will be able to collect the biomass simultaneously with its harvesting, unlike other existing technical
solutions that require machines and additional interventions for its collection.

REFERENCES
[1]. https://seigaharvester.5mp.eu
[2]. https://www.exporthub.com/reeda-harvesters/
[3]. https://agrisorg.com/produs/motocositoare-bcs-622-lombardini
[4]. https://renaissancestar.ro/produse/utilaje-pentru-fin-si-furaje/masini-de-cosit-si-recoltat-furaje/barca-
pentru-taiat-stuf-lk-12a-2/
[5]. https://ozoncompany.ro/utilaje-si-echipamente-intretinere-pe-apa/barca-taiat-stuf-c485/
[6]. https://weedooboats.com/amphiking-model-6450/
[7]. http://www.aquaclearwatermanagement.com/contracting_truxor.php
[8]. https://conver.com/en/products/floating-machines/mowing-boats/c485
[9]. http://www.usedaquaticweedharvestingequipment.com/Products.html
[10]. https://www.berky.de/en/berky-nereus-150/
[11]. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Weed_harvester_6520_from_Berky.jpg
[12]. https://www.mobitrac.net.au/products/

553

You might also like