Development of a method for shredder characterisation and dynamic control of the output material stream

Abstract

This work deals with the basis for the development of a method for the characterisation of shredders inthe field of waste treatment. Therefore, many parameters of shredders have to be considered. In thiswork, the throughput and its inconsistency come into focus. The fluctuating mass and volume flow ratesoften cause problems for waste treatment plants. Mixed waste generates a fluctuating throughput despitecontinuous feeding, often starting at the first machine, the shredder. Dynamic control of the shredder isseen as a solution. By implementing a control loop at the shredder, fluctuations in output are to beminimised and the idea is that subsequent machines are thus ideally fed. Autocorrelation of the data of anoutput volume flow of the shredder exists, which indicates that a dynamic output feedback control of theshredder can work, therefore the attempt to control the shredder was made. However, the first controlattempt was probably too rudimentary and the implementation of a dynamic control of the shredder didnot yet bring any improvements in terms of throughput fluctuations. Nevertheless, the work providesindications and shows potential for further research approaches on control-based improvement ofshredders’ throughput continuity.

Keywords

• mixed solid waste; waste treatment plants; control loop; fluctuation flow; digitalisation