Open AccessConception of an electric propulsion system for a 9 kW electric tractor suitable for family farming
Author(s) -
Melo Rodnei R.,
Antunes Fernando L.M.,
Daher Sérgio,
Vogt Hans H.,
Albiero Daniel,
Tofoli Fernando L.
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
iet electric power applications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 1751-8679
DOI - 10.1049/iet-epa.2019.0353
Subject(s) - tractor , automotive engineering , electrically powered spacecraft propulsion , engineering , propulsion , electric motor , battery (electricity) , internal combustion engine , sustainability , power (physics) , electrical engineering , aerospace engineering , ecology , physics , quantum mechanics , biology
This study presents an updated review of the application of electric tractors. A customised drive system for the conception of a novel low‐power electric tractor suitable for family farms is also introduced and discussed. The introduced system comprises several aspects regarding energy generation, transmission, conversion, storage, utilisation, conservation, and management, as well as sustainability issues. A 9 kW prototype composed of two three‐phase induction motors, two independent inverters, and a lead–acid battery bank is presented. Flexible and safe operation is ensured by using an electronic control unit specifically designed for this project, as a dedicated control algorithm is also developed to provide greater versatility under common rural activities. Also, a supervisory system is proposed for data storage and performance analysis. To verify the proper performance of the electric tractor, the methodology used for conducting drawbar tests has been based on document CODE 2 by Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD). Experimental results are presented and discussed; thus, demonstrating that the proposed electric tractor is technically feasible in terms of performance when compared with a similar internal combustion engine one.