Development of Time-domain Based Tractor Modes for Major Field Operations

Abstract

<abstract> <bold>Abstract.</bold> Driving cycles or operation modes are important parts in development and performance evaluation of agricultural tractors. Therefore, research is required for predicting and evaluating fuel consumption and durability of components through simulation, under conditions similar to the real operations. In this study, operation modes for major field operations were developed using time-domain modeling technique for performance evaluation of agricultural tractors. Operation or driving mode is defined as the representative prediction of changing vehicle status depending on driving or operation environment. Developing the operation or driving modes for agricultural tractors require considerable amount of data collected in various field and operation conditions. In this research, tractors modes were developed using ARX (AutoRegressive with eXogenous) model and mathematical models for major field operations. From the ARX modeling, prediction equations of the loads on the major parts were obtained for each field operation. Effective variables (conditions of soil, implement, and operation) on operation pattern were confirmed by theoretical and experimental load equations. Comparison of reproduced load and pre-processed field data showed that operation modes were well matched with the field measurements. Results of the study could be used to design high-performance, eco-friendly engine, and hybrid tractor power distribution. Also, operation mode will be applied to the development of tractor performance evaluation and simulation.