A recent study led by Gonzalo Curiel-Olivares from the Tecnológico de Monterrey in Mexico has unveiled a promising advancement in energy management systems (EMS) for series hybrid electric tractors. Published in the journal ‘IEEE Access’, this research explores the application of model predictive control (MPC) to optimize energy use in agricultural machinery, which is crucial for enhancing efficiency in the farming sector.
The study introduces a multi-objective optimization approach that focuses on four main goals: power sharing, state of charge (SOC) regulation, minimizing fuel consumption, and maximizing engine efficiency. Additionally, it addresses secondary objectives like battery degradation and temperature control. This comprehensive framework is designed to ensure that hybrid tractors operate at peak performance while also extending the lifespan of their batteries.
Testing the proposed MPC-based EMS on a tractor performing cultivator and baler drive cycles, the results were striking. During the cultivator cycle, fuel consumption was reduced by 12.17%, and fuel economy improved by 11.64%. Moreover, the battery temperature dropped by 16%, and battery degradation was significantly lowered by 56.19%. The baler cycle also showed improvements, with fuel consumption down by 4.81% and fuel economy up by 5.55%, alongside a 23% decrease in battery temperature and a remarkable 78.94% reduction in battery degradation.
Curiel-Olivares emphasizes the importance of these findings, stating, “The proposed MPC-based EMS achieved a good trade-off between the primary objectives, while it also improved the battery temperature and battery degradation compared to the rule-based EMS results.” This indicates that the new system not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to the sustainability of hybrid electric tractors.
The implications of this research extend beyond just agricultural applications. With the increasing push for greener technologies and sustainable practices in farming, the adoption of such advanced energy management systems could revolutionize the agricultural sector. Farmers and agricultural businesses stand to benefit from reduced operational costs and improved productivity, aligning with global efforts to reduce carbon footprints and promote environmentally friendly practices.
As the agricultural industry continues to evolve, the insights from this study highlight a significant commercial opportunity for manufacturers of hybrid electric vehicles and energy management systems. The integration of MPC-based EMS could position these companies as leaders in the market, catering to a growing demand for efficient and sustainable agricultural solutions.
For more information about the research and its implications, you can visit the Tecnológico de Monterrey.
