Fuel efficiency simulation for an agricultural tractor

Evaluation of the fuel efficiency of an agricultural tractor is typically performed using a field test or a full load test with a dynamometer. However, the full load test does not directly reflect the actual tractor field load. In addition, the field test has low repeatability. Thus, this paper is a study that predicted the fuel efficiency of an agricultural tractor. The fuel efficiency prediction of tractor during rotary tillage was performed using a simulation model. The simulation model was developed by using the Simulation X that is commercial software. The simulation model that modeled on the basis of tractor power flow is consisted of an engine, transmission, PTO(power take off), and hydraulics. The specification of major components was input using specification of 71kW tractor same as field test tractor. The load that inputted for fuel efficiency prediction at the simulation model was measured from field test. Prediction of the fuel efficiency was conducted by comparing the field test results and simulation results. The results showed that there were no significant differences between the simulation data of fuel efficiency and the field test data of fuel efficiency. Therefore, the prediction of fuel efficiency using a simulation model is feasible.