3FOOD

Third Industrial Revolution Consulting Group
belts powered by its own motor, it’s now possible to reverse them or speed them up
independently to clear blockages and maintain even crop flow.” 154
There is also an intelligence dimension. Sensors are embedded into each electric motor that
monitors torque loading. Zürn and partners are developing smart algorithms for processing
real-time data that enables maintaining the header at optimal use by varying the numerous
parameters automatically.
There are other sensor and controller feedback communication features capable of performing
a number of other real-time fine-tuning and optimizing adjustments. 155
Zürn Harvesting GmbH & Co. KG, in collaboration with its partners was awarded a silver medal for the fully
electrically driven i-Flow header at Agritechnica 2015.
Fuel costs can be reduced by one-fourth by using electric motors to replace hydraulics. The
higher efficiency of electric drive components is one key reason why farm machinery
companies are developing electrified farm equipment. A Deere engineer showcasing some of
the new equipment at Agritechnica pointed out, “Mechanical and hydraulic drive units are only
65 to 70% efficient [whereas] electric motors are 90% efficient and electric power is safer and
more flexible, offering better control and instant torque. It’s the trend of the future.” 156
Blockchain – Monitoring and Measuring Material Flows and Building Consumer
Trust
“Think about the blockchain as another class of thing, like the Internet − a comprehensive
information technology with tiered technical levels and multiple classes of applications for any
154 See: http://www.zurnuk.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Brochure-Premium-Flow.pdf
155 FW (2016) The Shape of Things to Come, Farmers Weekly, April 11, 2016,
http://farmersweekly.co.nz/article/the-shape-of-things-to-come?p=100%253Fp%253D102.
156 Farm Show (2012) Electrification of Ag Equipment, Farm Show magazine, Vol 36, Issue 1,
https://www.farmshow.com/a_article.php?aid=25108.
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