Development of a Multi-Frequency Dielectric Sensing System for Real-Time Forage Moisture Measurement
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Since 1905, the Department of Agricultural Engineering, now the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (ABE), has been a leader in providing engineering solutions to agricultural problems in the United States and the world. The department’s original mission was to mechanize agriculture. That mission has evolved to encompass a global view of the entire food production system–the wise management of natural resources in the production, processing, storage, handling, and use of food fiber and other biological products.
History
In 1905 Agricultural Engineering was recognized as a subdivision of the Department of Agronomy, and in 1907 it was recognized as a unique department. It was renamed the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering in 1990. The department merged with the Department of Industrial Education and Technology in 2004.
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1905–present
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- Department of Agricultural Engineering (1907–1990)
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- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (parent college)
- College of Engineering (parent college)
- Department of Industrial Education and Technology, (merged, 2004)
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Abstract
A previous study at Iowa State University has shown promise for the determination of hay and forage moisture content prior to compaction using multi-frequency dielectric measurements. This previous study used a sensing system that took sequential frequency measurements which takes considerable time. Due to the fast material flow through equipment, the measurements need to be taken in a very short time period. Taking multi-frequency dielectric measurements “simultaneously” will ensure all frequencies measurements are from the same sample mass.
This paper will report on the development of the sensing hardware for “simultaneous” multi-frequency dielectric measurements and the evaluation of the system under static test conditions. Ideally, the measurement system will be capable of predicting the moisture content independent of density, material volume, and material composition.