Adaptive predictive control for land sprayers in variable rate application

• Grant number: 23/06759-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: January 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Industrial Electronics, Electronic Systems and Controls
• Principal Investigator: Vilma Alves de Oliveira
• Grantee: Deniver Reinke Schutz
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 25/03762-6 - Adaptive LPV ARMAX model in predictive flow control based on variable fluidic resistance for agricultural sprayers, BE.EP.DR

Abstract

Aligned with the need to increase productivity in the agricultural sector, reduce the impact of pesticides, and lower production costs, research is being conducted to implement new techniques and application technologies for agricultural spraying. However, further studies need to be conducted to ensure the proper application of agrochemicals in the right place and in the right quantity, ensuring environmental sustainability and cost reduction. This research proposal aims to develop a flow rate control system using predictive controllers, aligned with nozzle switching strategies during the spraying process to achieve application quality. Additionally, the dynamics of the sprayer and an autopilot system are taken into consideration to minimize application errors. The validation of the control techniques to be developed will be carried out through software simulations, a hardware-in-the-loop simulation bench to be constructed, and experimental testing using the Agricultural Sprayer Development System (SPDA) developed by Embrapa Instrumentation in partnership with the School of Engineering at the University of São Carlos. This work can contribute to the development of more robust controllers for spraying systems, ensuring high-quality application, and encouraging further research in this field.

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

SCHUTZ, DENIVER R.; V. MERCALDI, HEITOR; PENALOZA, ELMER A. G.; SILVA, LUCAS J. R.; OLIVEIRA, VILMA A.; CRUVINEL, PAULO E.. Advanced embedded generalized predictive controller based on fuzzy gain scheduling for agricultural sprayers with dead zone nonlinearities. JOURNAL OF PROCESS CONTROL, v. 135, p. 11-pg., 2024-01-23. (23/06759-0, 22/00628-9)