Testing the Efficiency of a Series Hybrid Drivetrain for Agricultural Applications

OF THESIS TESTING THE EFFICIENCY OF A SERIES HYBRID DRIVETRAIN FOR AGRICULTURAL APPLICATIONS Because of high fuel costs and rising concern over controlling motor vehicle emissions, there has been a surge in the number of hybrid passenger vehicles on roads in recent years. This transition has not yet been seen with agricultural vehicles. With this in mind, this study created a test scheme to characterize and replicate agricultural loads, and design of a hybrid drivetrain that is suitable for agricultural purposes. Torque and power data were recorded from the controller area network of a tractor performing a baling operation. The recorded data was characterized using statistical and time series analyses, and converted into a simplified torque profile that could be run on a common type of dynamometer. The prototype series hybrid drivetrain was subjected to the simplified profile developed, and drivetrain efficiency was compared to the efficiency under constant load. The effect of battery pack, and engine size was also tested. On average, the prototype developed was not more efficient than a similarly sized standard geared vehicle, but there is significant room for further optimization.