Development of simulation model for fuel efficiency of agricultural tractor

The objective of this study is to predict the fuel efficiency of an agricultural tractor. The fuel efficiency of the tractor during rotary tillage was predicted using numerical modeling. A numerical model was developed using Simulation X. Based on tractor power flow, numerical modeling consisted of an engine, transmission, PTO (power take off), and hydraulics. The specifications of major components utilized in the numerical model were the same as those of a 71 kW tractor (field test tractor). The load that was inputted for fuel efficiency prediction into the simulation model was obtained from a field test. Fuel efficiency predictions were conducted by comparing field test results and simulation results. In addition, it was performed by dividing the rotary tillage and steering section. Main results are as follows: first, t-values of engine torque were measured to be 0.31 in the rotary tillage and 0.92 in the steering section. Second, t-values of fuel consumption were measured to be 0.51 and 5.41 in the rotary tillage and the steering section, respectively. Finally, t-values of fuel efficiency were measured to be 1.72 and 40 in the rotary tillage and the steering section, respectively. The results show no significant differences with t-values of less than 5% in the rotary tillage. But, it shows significant differences in the steering section. Therefore, simulation for accurate fuel efficiency prediction requires a suitable algorithm or detailed design of the simulation model in the steering section.