A new two year research project will harness the latest aeronautic industry technology to develop testing tools that will help crop store owners to optimise the efficiency of their premises.
The £800,000 project is 70% funded by The Technology Strategy Board and is “industry led”, with lead partner being Crops Systems Limited, the leading store designer and developer.
Other partners are: Branston (crop store operator); Stored Crop Conservation (fogging); Farm Energy Centre (energy efficiency); The Technology Research Centre Ltd (CFD and design software) and Aceto Agrochemicals Chemicals Corporation Ltd (CIPC deposition).
Scientific knowledge and validation for the project will be provided by Sutton Bridge Crop Storage Research and Cranfield University.
Managing Director Ray Andrews of Crops Systems Limited says Cranfield University’s involvement is crucial because inability to achieve even airflow is the biggest reason for poor store performance.
Benefits from development of a successful tool would be multiple, he suggests, enabling operators to reduce energy use and crop wastage, while also helping achieve more efficient CIPC use, which could help ensure its continuing availability.
