Design and manufacturing of a prototype radial fan for peanut threshing machine

The air speeds of radial fans used in peanut harvesting play a critical role in the efficient separation of soil and pods. In this study, the BG3130 peanut threshing machine from Erdem Makine in Ceyhan/Adana and its newly designed TG3130 fans were compared to achieve energy savings by optimizing air speeds. Analyses conducted with Solidworks Flow Simulation 2023 revealed that at a fan speed of 2200 rpm, the average air speed in the H region was 26.22 m/s for the TG3130 and 24.81 m/s for the BG3130 at the same speed. Simulation results showed air speeds of 24.54 m/s for the TG3130 and 22.57 m/s for the BG3130. Additionally, in the R region of the cleaning unit, the air speed at 1100 rpm was measured as 9.76 m/s for the TG3130, while it was 9.17 m/s for the BG3130. Simulation results indicated air speeds of 9.24 m/s for the TG3130 and 8.92 m/s for the BG3130. Based on these results, it was observed that the TG3130 achieved air speeds close to or higher than the BG3130 at lower rotational speeds. Key Words: Peanut Harvesting Machines, Radial Fan Design, CFD Analysis, Operating Costs.