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A Variable Pressure Multi-Pressure Rail System Design for Agricultural Applications

Author

Listed:
  • Xiaofan Guo

    (Maha Fluid Power Research Center, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Jacob Lengacher

    (Maha Fluid Power Research Center, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

  • Andrea Vacca

    (Maha Fluid Power Research Center, Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA)

Abstract

This paper presents a solution for reducing energy loss in the hydraulic control system of agricultural tractors and their implements. The solution is referred to as a multi-pressure rail (MPR) and provides power to the hydraulic functions following a pressure control logic, as opposed to the traditional flow control logic typical of hydraulic systems used in off-road vehicles. The proposed hydraulic control system allows for elimination of redundant flow control valves in the state-of-the-art system, which cause excessive throttling losses leading to poor overall energy efficiency. Related work on MPR technology targets construction vehicles, where the MPR solution can allow energy recovery during overrunning loads and better engine management. This paper alternatively addresses the case of agricultural applications where functions mostly operate under resistive load conditions with slow dynamics, which offers an opportunity to target throttle losses. For this purpose, the paper introduces a variable pressure control strategy to handle the instantaneous pressure at each rail. To develop both the controller and the hydraulic system architecture, a stationary test rig is conceived and used to validate a numerical simulation model of the MPR system and its control strategy. Particular focus is given to the dynamic behavior of the system during the switches of a function between different pressure rails, which needs to ensure reduced oscillations of the flow provided to each hydraulic function. Once validated, the simulation model is used to predict the energy savings of the MPR solution in an actual application: a 435 hp hydraulic tractor powering a 16-row planter, for which operating features during typical drive cycles were available to the authors. The results show up to 59% total power reduction at the pump shaft, corresponding to 89.8% system efficiency gain.

Suggested Citation

  • Xiaofan Guo & Jacob Lengacher & Andrea Vacca, 2022. "A Variable Pressure Multi-Pressure Rail System Design for Agricultural Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-25, August.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:15:y:2022:i:17:p:6173-:d:897448
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Milos Vukovic & Roland Leifeld & Hubertus Murrenhoff, 2017. "Reducing Fuel Consumption in Hydraulic Excavators—A Comprehensive Analysis," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-25, May.
    2. Jan Siebert & Marco Wydra & Marcus Geimer, 2017. "Efficiency Improved Load Sensing System—Reduction of System Inherent Pressure Losses," Energies, MDPI, vol. 10(7), pages 1-22, July.
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