FCTRAC Fuel Cell Tractor: Operating Strategy for Real-Duty Scenarios

Abstract

In the framework of the project “FCTRAC”, an existing diesel tractor is retrofitted with a fuel cell powertrain with the scope of investigating new solutions for the widespread application of fuel cell tractors. Efficiency and durability pose significant challenges for the extensive implementation of fuel cell powertrains in agricultural machinery given the demanding traits of farm-related tasks. As a solution to this problem, this work proposes a novel equivalent consumption minimization strategy where the equivalence factor is calculated through machine-learning methods.

By leveraging characteristic features of tractor operation, the optimal solution to the energy management problem is guaranteed, with fuel consumption reduction and extension of fuel cell lifetime. This study is organized around three primary sections: the design of a function development framework for the fuel cell tractor, the statistical analysis of real-farming scenarios, and the development of a robust machine-learning-based energy management strategy. The initial part of this paper is dedicated to the examination of function development within the project. The software methodology adopted for the function development underscores the secure integration of the energy management strategy into the powertrain software, thereby ensuring the safe operation of the powertrain components.