Work

Quasi-Static Tractor Implement Model for Assessing Energy Savings in Partial Electrification

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents a quasi-static model for assessing potential energy savings through partial electrification of a land leveler implement. The quasi-static model simulates the behavior of the hydraulic circuit components, including the pump and a spool-type flow divider, for a commercial land leveler used in agricultural applications. Two electrification schemes are presented. In the first scheme, the pump, originally driven at fixed speed by the PTO, is driven at variable speed by an electric drive, with no changes in the hydraulic circuit. In the second electrification scheme, the decentralization of the hydraulic system is implemented by using separate variable-speed pumps for each actuator. Results show significant potential energy savings of 9–22% with the first electrification scheme and 45–53% with the second scheme, compared to the traditional non-electrified setup. Our findings demonstrate that electrification could be a strategic choice to improve the efficiency of tractor implements and agricultural machinery.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18112766

Authors: Matteo Berto, Matteo Beligoj, Luigi Alberti

Institution: University of Padua

Language: English

Topic: Agricultural Engineering and Mechanization

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137