Design and Implementation of a Power Electronics Interface for Hybrid Electric Cultivation Machinery

The increasing need for eco-friendly and energy-efficient farming practices has sped up the evolution of hybrid electric farming equipment. This paper discusses the design and simulation of a power electronics interface for use in such equipment, combining a traditional internal combustion engine with an electric drive system powered by a battery and/or renewable energy. The suggested interface features a bidirectional DC-DC converter for power exchange between the DC link and the battery, and a three-phase inverter for driving a brushless DC (BLDC) motor for performing mechanical cultivation operations. An energy management strategy is deployed to maximize load sharing between the electric system and engine to ensure improved fuel efficiency and minimized emissions. The system is simulated and modeled with MATLAB/Simulink, showcasing efficient power conversion, motor control, and dynamic load management in different operating conditions. The results verify the ability of the hybrid system to enhance operational flexibility, save fuel, and open the door for more green agricultural mechanization. Hardware implementation and field testing of the proposed system are included as future work.