Automatização de um sistema de centrifugação de mel

Abstract

Beekeeping consists of the activity of honey production, in which one of the main processes is the extraction of honey from the combs, which can be done by gravity or mechanized using a centrifuge. Mechanized centrifugation, in turn, can be manual-requiring considerable and repetitive physical effort and causing rotation variations that may compromise the integrity of the combs-or motorized. The main objective of this work was to automate a manual honey centrifuge by integrating a V-belt transmission system and a singlephase AC motor, prioritizing low cost and the reuse of discarded parts. The methodology involved repurposing a 0.5 HP / 127 VAC, 1725 RPM single-phase induction motor; designing a belt transmission system with an approximate 5:1 ratio; implementing a low-cost electronic dimmer based on TRIAC and DIAC for speed control; and using a Hall-effect sensor for rotation measurement. Bench tests showed that the electric drive system met the goal of reducing physical effort and providing greater comfort and consistency in the process. However, the useful speed control range was limited to approximately 40 RPM, and in practical application, the high initial extraction speed damaged the honeycombs. In conclusion, the prototype demonstrated partial functionality, and it is recommended to replace the pulley set to achieve a transmission ratio close to 13:1, which would reduce the centrifuge’s starting speed and minimize the risk of comb breakage, making the process more efficient.