Affiliation:
1. Collaborative Innovation Center for Shandong’s Main Crop Production Equipment and Mechanization, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
2. Weichai Lovol Intelligent Agricultural Technology Co., Ltd., Weifang 261200, China
Abstract
Electric tractors have many advantages, including high torque, excellent controllability, energy efficiency, a simple structure, and an electric interface for expansion. However, a significant limitation lies in their endurance. This study presents the design of an extended-range power supply system to ensure continuous endurance for an electric tractor. The objective is to provide a continuous power source for our self-developed electric tractor while preserving the benefits of electric propulsion. Extended-range power systems utilize a primary mover, typically an oil-fueled internal combustion engine, to drive the generator for electricity generation, and the generated AC-form electricity is subsequently converted into stable DC bus voltage by a power electronic converter. The hardware and control design of an extended-range power supply system are finalized and validated through experimental trials. The results demonstrate the system’s capability to sustain stable DC bus voltage amidst disruptions such as sudden load shifts and fluctuations in the prime mover’s speed. Even with a 50% sudden load change, the voltage drop is within 12% and can recover to ±3% within 4 s. The extended-range can be used alone without a battery to power the electric tractor, or it can used in parallel with other extended ranges or batteries for power sharing thanks to the droop control ability.
Funder
Collaborative Innovation Center for Shangdong’s Main crop Production Equipment and Mechanization
Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation
National Key Research and Development Program of China
Lu-Yu Collaborative Project