Impact of Hybrid Electric Vehicles on Energy Consumption and Emission Reduction for Agricultural Applications

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">As the agricultural industry seeks to enhance sustainability and reduce operational costs, the introduction of mild hybrid technology in tractors presents a promising solution. This paper focuses on downsizing internal combustion (IC) engine, coupled with integration of electric motor, to reduce fuel consumption and meet stringent emission regulations while maintaining power requirement for agricultural applications in India. The hybridization aims to deliver instant power boosts during peak loads and capitalizes on energy recovery during part loads and braking. Furthermore, the idle avoidance feature minimizes fuel consumption during periods of inactivity thus improving fuel efficiency. The hybridization also aims to hybridize auxiliary systems for flexible power management, enabling operation of either engine, auxiliaries, or both as needed.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">A newly developed hybrid supervisory control prototype efficiently manages electric power and mechanical power, enabling intelligent management of auxiliary power consumption. This approach eliminates belt-driven mechanical loads, allowing auxiliaries to operate independently and on-demand, thus optimizing performance and fuel efficiency. Virtual simulations of hybrid electric tractor were conducted to assess the impact of intelligent auxiliary management on vehicle performance and fuel consumption, as detailed in this paper. The findings indicate that adopting such technologies in agricultural machinery not only enhances operational efficiency but also aligns with global efforts towards sustainable farming practices. This paper advocates for continued research and development in hybrid technologies to further advance the agricultural sector's transition towards environmentally friendly solutions.</div></div>