Determinação da eficiência energética em máquinas de colheita florestal em sistema full-tree

Abstract

Given the increasing carbon emissions in the atmosphere and the urgent need to seek more efficient energy alternatives in all sectors of the production chain, this study aimed to determine the energy efficiency of machines used in forest harvesting operating in a full-tree system and its correlation with forest volume and machine productivity. Data collected in areas of a forestry company, producer of eucalyptus, located in the regions of the Jequitinhonha and São Francisco Rivers, State of Minas Gerais, were analyzed. The energy efficiency of the Feller Buncher, Skidder, and Grapple Skidder machines operating in a full-tree system was analyzed, along with their correlation with forest volume and their productivity. The results indicate that the forest productivity variable has a strong positive correlation with the productivity of the Feller Buncher, a moderate positive correlation with that of the Skidder, and a low positive correlation with that of the Grapple Skidder. Following this trend, all machines showed a very strong negative correlation between productivity and energy efficiency, demonstrating that an increase in their productivity results, in inversely proportional order, in a significant improvement in the energy efficiency of the operation, regardless of the activity performed. It is concluded that improving energy efficiency in forest harvesting machines offers significant advantages ranging from cost savings and reduced environmental impact to increased productivity and compliance with regulations. Therefore, it is an important practice for the modern forestry sector, which seeks to balance the sustainable use of natural resources with operational efficiency.