Abstract:
Feeding equipment has been restricted to the feeding ranges and pond transfers, such as the fixed shore-based feeders and feeding boats. This study aims to optimize the materials used in the feed-dispensing mechanism for the pneumatic feeders. The mobile carts were also utilized to achieve the flexible pond transfers and uniform feeding around the pond perimeter. An adjustable feeding mechanism was incorporated for the precise feed dispensing within the required target range. The feed dispensing of pneumatic vehicles significantly improved the feeding efficiency and feed distribution, compared with the existing feeding devices in practical applications. The coupled EDEM-FLUENT simulation was carried out to optimize the performance of the feeding mechanism. The key parameters were determined on the feed dispersion. Specifically, four parameters were selected: the fan wind speed, the angle of the feeding pipe, the length of the feeding pipe, and the diameter of the feeding pipe. A series of single-factor experiments was conducted to determine the impact of each parameter on the feeding performance under different conditions, thus providing a basis for further optimization. An orthogonal experiment was also conducted using the data from these single-factor experiments. The optimal combination of the key parameters was obtained using the response surface method (RSM). The results showed that the better feeding performance of the pneumatic feed dispensing vehicle was achieved in the optimal feed coverage and uniform distribution within a 3-5 m range, when the fan wind speed was 16.1 m/s, the feeding pipe's angle was 9°, the feeding pipe length was 425 mm, and the diameter was 42 mm. In actual prototype testing, the dispersion of the pneumatic feed dispensing vehicle was very close to the simulation, with the relative errors in the coverage and uniformity within the feeding range of 5.4% and 6.5%, respectively. These small error ranges demonstrated that the pneumatic feed dispensing vehicle effectively met the requirements of precise and uniform feed dispersion within a set range. The simulation model was verified for the feasibility of the experiment. The flexible movement of the pneumatic feed dispensing vehicle was found within shrimp ponds after optimizations, in order to precisely control the feed dispersal range and distribution. There was uniform coverage within the 3-5 m range. The feed vehicle was adaptable to different requirements of the shrimp pond, especially in the large aquaculture farms that required the larger feeding areas. A more efficient solution was provided after verification, compared with the conventional equipment. Moreover, the pneumatic feed dispensing vehicle was also featured by the multi-pond functionality, thus meeting the feeding needs of multiple ponds. The vehicle's high flexibility and adjustability can avoid purchasing separate feeding devices for each pond, thereby saving significant equipment investment and maintenance costs. At the same time, the key parameters were adjusted, such as the fan wind speed, feeding pipe length, diameter, and inclination angle. The pneumatic feed dispensing vehicle can also be customized for optimal feeding performance, according to different farming environments and needs.