Development and evaluation of motor-driven greenhouse mini-seeder using modal analysis

A finite element modal analysis and an experimental modal analysis were conducted for studying vibration and operability characteristics of the traditional greenhouse mini-seeder under working conditions. A vibration modal analysis was used to evaluate vibration frequency of the engine and causes of high vibrations of mini-seeder powered by a gasoline engine. Further, a branchless permanent magnetic DC motor was considered as a flower source to solve the problem of violent vibration and an electric seeder was developed. These mini-seeders with two sorts of different power sources were evaluated for vibration and seeding performance at different depth of sowing. Experimental results showed that the seeder powered by a DC motor presented reduction in vibration frequency at respective seeding depth by more than 60%, with significant improvement in seeding performance. Moreover, seeded depth qualification rate and variation coefficients of the seed-metering amount of various rows were promoted by 17.9% and 47.2%, respectively.