PROTECTING CROPS AGAINST FROST
ELECTRIC WIND MACHINES FOR CROP PROTECTION
Frost is a formidable adversary for farmers, posing a significant threat to crops during cold spells. When temperatures drop, especially during critical growing seasons, the risk of frost damage can be devastating to agricultural yields. However, modern agricultural technology has provided farmers with innovative solutions to combat the detrimental effects of frost. Using frost fans / wind machines for crop protection is both practical and affordable.
HOW DOES FROST DAMAGE CROPS?
Frost damage occurs when the cellular structure of plant tissues is damaged, causing irreversible harm. Vulnerable crops, such as fruits, vegetables and orchard produce are particularly susceptible to frost damage during the growing season. The severity of the damage depends on factors like temperature, duration of exposure, and the developmental stage of the plants.
HOW DO FROST FANS, OR WIND MACHINES, PROTECT CROPS?
Frost fans, also known as wind machines, are mechanical devices designed to mitigate the impact of frost on crops. These devices operate on the principle of air mixing – redistributing warmer air from higher altitudes to the ground level. The use of frost fans or wind machines for crop protection is especially common in orchards, vineyards, and other agricultural settings where frost can be a recurring threat.
THE PRINCIPLES OF FIGHTING FROST
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AIR MIXING
During a radiation frost event, cold air settles in lower laying or obstructed areas. This phenomenon occurs because cold air is heavier than warm air. Frost fans / wind machines disrupt these pockets or barriers and prevent micro climates from forming by continuously creating air flow on the ground.
INVERSION LAYER UTILISATION
During radiation frost events, heat from the soil is radiated into the atmosphere forming a warm layer called the inversion layer. Frost fans utilise this inversion layer and mix the warmer air with the colder, denser air found on ground level. This effectively lifts the ground temperature by a few degrees to minimize the risk of frost occurring.
BENEFITS OF WIND MACHINES FOR CROP PROTECTION
COST EFFICIENCY
Wind machines are more cost effective than alternative frost protection methods, such as heating systems or irrigation, in mitigating the risks associated with frost.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
The use of electrical wind machines for crop protection typically requires less energy than heating systems. They’re environmentally friendly and have a minimal carbon footprint.
EASE OF DEPLOYMENT
Wind machines are versatile and have been proven effective in a wide range of agricultural settings including vineyards and orchards.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Wind machines are non-invasive and do not require constant monitoring. Some wind machines can operate autonomously, allowing farmers to focus on other aspects of crop management.
WHY CHOOSE OUR FROST FANS / WIND MACHINES?
Our frost fans / wind machines feature a custom-designed open impellor that ensures efficiency in protecting frost-prone crops, irrespective of the surrounding landscape.
They’re electrically driven, use a cloud-based RF control system and boast the largest coverage area and lowest running costs in the industry!
ELECTRICALLY DRIVEN FROST FANS / WIND MACHINES
Our 15kW (20HP) or 30kW (40HP) electrical frost fans may be powered by 3-phase grid power or a diesel generator.
INCREASED COVERAGE
Our wind machines feature a specialised blade design that provide for leading in class coverage of 7 to 9 hectares per fan across a wide range of landscapes.
EASIER INSTALLATION & SERVICING
The hydraulic pivoting mast of 10m (33ft) means that the fan may be easily erected, with minimum impact on the surrounding environment and maintenance is also simplified.
GREATER MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY
The electric motor means that there are fewer moving parts, less noise and reduced running costs. Our frost fans may be erected almost anywhere.
RF-BASED CLOUD CONTROL SYSTEM
The cloud-based real-time monitoring and RF-based control system means that our frost fans / wind machines may be monitored and controlled from virtually anywhere with internet connectivity.
WE SHIP WORLDWIDE
AGI FROST FANS has distributors in several countries and ships internationally. Complete the form below to enquire about your closest distributor or for shipping from Wellington, Western Cape, South Africa.