Design of tractor hybrid electric powertrain and optimization control strategy based on dynamic programming algorithm

• A series-parallel hybrid powertrain suitable for high-power tractors is designed. • This hybrid powertrain and the tractor’s mathematical and simulation models are established. • An energy management control strategy for series-parallel hybrid tractors is formulated based on DP. • The formulated control strategy reduces fuel consumption and achieves notable energy-saving effects. To improve energy efficiency and fuel consumption, this study proposed a high‐power hybrid tractor system and developed a control strategy. Building upon the typical working characteristics of traditional tractors and the continuous speed regulation features of planetary gear transmissions in hybrid systems, a novel high‐power hybrid architecture was designed. A corresponding simulation model was established, and an energy management strategy based on dynamic programming algorithms was developed for optimization. Simulation results demonstrated that the proposed hybrid tractor can deliver a maximum power output of over 200 kW, meeting the demands of high‐horsepower farm operations. Moreover, the dynamic programming‐based control strategy keeps both the engine and motor operating within high‐efficiency intervals, thereby considerably reducing fuel consumption. After optimization, the equivalent fuel consumption under traction conditions decreased from 2.76 L to 2.5 L-a reduction of 10.4 %. Under full operating load, the equivalent fuel consumption was reduced from 18.55 L to 16.7 L, achieving an 11.02 % improvement. These results confirmed a substantial increase in overall energy utilization efficiency. The high‐power hybrid tractor developed in this study provides valuable insights into the design of energy‐efficient agricultural machinery and offers a practical reference for formulating intelligent energy management strategies in agricultural engineering applications.