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Electro-farming, or the applications of electricity to agriculture

 

作者: R.B.Matthews,  

 

期刊: Journal of the Institution of Electrical Engineers  (IET Available online 1922)
卷期: Volume 60, issue 311  

页码: 725-741

 

年代: 1922

 

DOI:10.1049/jiee-1.1922.0051

 

出版商: IEE

 

数据来源: IET

 

摘要:

The term “electro-farming” is defined, and the importance of agriculture as the world's largest industry is emphasized. Based on experimental work conducted on a commercial scale, the author considers that the highest efficiency in farming can be reached only by electrical methods. The applications of electricity on the farm are many and are shown in an exhaustive table under the following classification:—(1) Uses in the farm buildings, (2) on the farm land, (3) crop treatment, (4) in the farm house. The farmer is really a manufacturer, but his present methods are based on abundant cheap labour and unlimited time. Before the engineer can apply modern manufacturing principles he must understand the technicalities of farming.Data are given to show that the farm load is an attractive one from the central station standpoint, and a simple distribution system is outlined. Restricted maximum demand is advocated as a basis for power rates, as it encourages the extended use of electricity.Simple and robust design is essential in all farm machinery. The use of electric motors is discussed and tables are given of motor sizes required for various duties and of the work done per unit consumed. Inexpensive and simple arrangements of portable motors are described.In the Appendix, which follows the classification stated above, examples are given of the profitable use of electric light, e. g. in avoiding milk loss, increasing winter egg production, etc. A suitable wiring system is described. Other farm-building uses of electricity considered in some detail are milk sterilization, and the incubation and rearing of poultry. Reference is made to the weather reports issued by wireless from the Meteorological Office. Irrigation is considered, and the present position of electric ploughing is discussed at length. Single-rope haulage is the most suitable method at present available and is adapted for use in small fields. In the case of harvesting machinery the author's arrangement of an independent electric drive for the knives and binding mechanism is advocated, because it enables the machine to do more work per day. Electroculture is stated to give a certain minimum increase in crop, and suitable apparatus is suggested.The artificial drying of hay and cereals under adverse weather conditions is shown to be practicable, while a successful Continental electrical method of ensilage is described and illustrated. A brief note on the importance of accurate account-keeping (on the author's “Auto-Countancy” system) and a description of a simple electrical book-keeping machine are given at the end of the Appendix.The conclusions are arrived at that any farm machine which revolves or has revolving parts can be operated by an electric motor more effectively and economically than by any other means, and that electric treatment produces results that cannot be obtained otherwise than by electric means.

 

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