PVDF Piezoelectric Sensors for Seeds Counting and Coulter Clogging Detection in Sowing Process Monitoring

The paper presents the results of a test on the use of piezoelectric sensors made of PVDF foil for counting grain and checking clogging in the sowing drill. The tests were carried out in a simulator of the sowing drill with the use of a measuring system with high input impedance. Two kinds of barley and triticale grains were investigated. Measurements were carried out for different feeding frequencies. On the basis of the signals recorded, an algorithm of counting the sown grain was developed and tested. The algorithm is based on signal statistic comparison in adjacent windows. The developed algorithm allows counting more than 90% of the sown grains.