Abstract
This study was conducted to develop a load-sensitive engine speed control system to maximize the fuel efficiency of an agricultural tractor. The engine speed controller was developed through a model-based design approach using a tractor simulation model. The simulated engine speed and torque values were measured with an average error range of 1.4–4.9% compared to results obtained from field experiments. Using the tractor model, the gain parameters of the proportional–integral (PI) controller were optimized under the step, ramp, and actual load conditions. The simulation results using the actual load showed that the engine speed could be adjusted to within 2–3% of the desired value using the proposed engine speed controller. The throttle control system was constructed using four parts of a tractor engine, a microprocessor with an engine speed control algorithm, a throttle actuator, and a data acquisition system. Using the developed system, the operating engine speed values showed an average 1.17 % error compared to the desired engine speed. Three fuel efficiency parameters were used for evaluating the fuel-saving performance of the control system: specific volumetric fuel consumption (SVFC), fuel consumption per tilled area (FCA), and fuel consumption per work hour (FC). The values for SVFC, FCA, and FC obtained from the engine speed control system during plowing operations were 23.03–57.87%, 4.11–42.06%, and −7.24–38.48%, respectively, showing an improvement over the same operations without the control system.
Highlights
Agricultural tractors are multi-purpose machines used for performing various types of field operations
The results showed that the fuel consumption can be reduced by 5–12%, compared to that of a good operator [3]
The objective of this study is to develop a load-sensitive engine speed control system to maximize fuel efficiency
Summary
Agricultural tractors are multi-purpose machines used for performing various types of field operations. Different field operations subject agricultural tractors to varying workloads, which results in varying levels of fuel consumption under different conditions. These conditions include engine speed, soil condition, implementation type, and transmission gear step. Even though the same field operations may be conducted, workload and fuel consumption characteristics change frequently, and improper adjustments to operating conditions decrease tractor fuel efficiency.
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