This project was born as part of the research on the energy efficiency of power distribution architectures in agricultural machines and meets modern environmental needs, to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels and polluting emissions outside of urban areas too.
These requirements are also supported by the new EU stage V regulations, which will come into force in 2019-20, imposing in particular stringent limitations on particulate matter and NOx produced by diesel engines, for the category of non-road vehicles, to which the machine being studied belongs to: a medium-power agricultural tractor Series T7 with CVT gearbox by CNHi.
These requirements are also supported by the new EU stage V regulations, which will come into force in 2019-20, imposing in particular stringent limitations on particulate matter and NOx produced by diesel engines, for the category of non-road vehicles, to which the machine being studied belongs to: a medium power agricultural tractor Series T7 with CVT gearbox by CNHi.
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The project aims to develop and test innovative electric hybridization solutions to increase the efficiency of the power distribution architectures in agricultural machines, powered by a diesel combustion engine, on a T7 Series test tractor with CNHi CVT gearbox. Thanks to a first on-field test session, with significant usage profiles, the two main macro-blocks – transmission and hydraulic circuit – and the related individual sub-systems will be characterized.
An existing simulation model of the hydro-mechanical power architecture will be integrated with a new multi-body model of the tractor, implementing a virtual prototyping platform, which will be the main tool for analysis and development activities carried on to reproduce the cycles of the machine.
The assessment of energy critical issues in the entire system will guide the study of more efficient electric hybrid variants, conceived by implementing a partner’s background of knowledge and know-how already consolidated in other sectors (e.g. hybrid traction in the automotive sector).
Overcoming the centralized power supply in the hydraulic circuit (through independent electro-hydraulic power packs) and alternative positioning for the motor-generator in the diesel-electric transmission will be designed with an integrated machine perspective.
In addition to energy benefits, hybridization will also bring functional improvements and facilitate the simplification of the hydro-mechanical architecture and the related components. With the introduction of electrical / electronic components, the implications of safety and reliability will be considered and the solutions will be identified thanks to the collaboration of the partner companies. The solutions previously identified will be implemented in prototype and characterized on the test bench and / or on field on the test vehicle.
Targets
The fundamental aim of the project is to define, prototype and test energy efficient hybrid electric architectures for medium power agricultural tractors.
To reach this results, the following intermediate objectives must be achieved:
Laboratories
CNR Imamoter
The mission of the Institute is to be a resource of excellence for the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and technologies in the production and use of agricultural and earthmoving machinery, with a view to developing both components and sustainable, efficient systems and secure.
The fundamental research topics are very wide and within IMAMOTER we find, for example, fuel economy, intelligent industrial and agricultural vehicles with autonomous driving or high level of automation (with particular reference to precision agriculture), safety, energy source hybridization (integration of the technological mix in the powertrain architecture for the generation, storage and transmission of power) and clusters of intelligent vehicles connected to each other and with ICT systems and services in the different versions for driver service and assistance.
MISTER SMART INNOVATION
Mister Smart Innovation is an industrial research and technological development consortium active since 2009. We are a public-private company, with CNR as majority shareholder.
Institutional members also include the University of Ferrara and the University of Parma, while for the private part we have with us some large local companies, mainly in the mechanical (Sacmi) and biomedical (Medica Group) sector.
The headquarters is in the CNR Bologna Technopole, for which Mister is delegated to manage a modern structure located within the CNR Research Area of Bologna.
Mister’s team has solid know-how in various technical areas.
Cidea
The CIDEA center coordinates the skills of the Departments of the University of Parma on the topics of Energy and the Environment, developing research and development activities, promoting research and industrial collaborations.
The center operates transversely on numerous areas of the S3, ranging from energy sources to the conversion’s processes, transport and storage of energy, to impacts on the environment and also in the agricultural, industrial, residential and transport sectors.
In the hydraulic sector, Cidea makes use of the skills present in the Department of Engineering and Architecture, skills that concern both the field of simulation of hydraulic components and systems and the experimental field, the laboratory has a test bench (150 kW) for experimental activities on pumps, motors and hydraulic components.
UNIMORE Intermech
InterMech – MO.RE. is the Interdepartmental Center for Applied Research and Services in the Advanced Mechanics and Motor Engineering Sector of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia. InterMech – MO.RE. is a High Technology Network of the Emilia Romagna Region accredited laboratory and is based in the Tecnopolo of Modena and the Tecnopolo of Reggio Emilia. InterMech – MO.RE. offers companies specialized industrial research services on topic related to design and development of new industrial products and processes; it also promotes and coordinates intersectoral studies and research in the field of Advanced Mechanics and Motor Engineering and carries out related research activities (also in the ICT, Materials and Surfaces, Mechatronics, Industrial Design, Hydraulic). InterMech proposes itself as interlocutor of Public Bodies for the realization of the Tecnopoli in the provinces of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
Laboratorio Mechlav
MechLav, belonging to the University of Ferrara, is one of the industrial research laboratories of the Ferrara Technopole. It is accredited to the Emilia-Romagna Region and is part of the High Technology Network. It offers specialist skills in mechatronics and motors, ICT for industry 4.0, vibro-acoustics, materials, energy, artificial intelligence, electronics.
The strength of MechLav is the continuous collaboration between researchers from different areas, in a way that is functional to the horizontal structuring of industrial products and production processes.
MechLav within the project deals with synthesis and optimization of systems through multi-body simulations, mechanical design of the necessary modifications to the tractor for the integration of hybrid systems, simulation / design of some hydraulic systems and circuits, experimentation on machines and circuits .
Companies
CNHi
CNH Industrial is a global leader in capital goods that implements design, manufacturing, distribution, commercial and financial activities in international markets.We employ more than 64,000 people in 66 manufacturing plants and 54 research and development centers in 180 countries.Our global presence and broad reach mean that we can capitalize on opportunities for growth and pursue our ambition to become a leader in our sectors.Through our 12 brands we make the vehicles that keep agriculture and industry growing. From tractors and combines to trucks and buses, as well as powertrain solutions for on-road and off-road and marine vehicles, we design, produce and sell machines for work.From tractors and combines, to trucks and buses, as well as propulsion and transmission systems for trucks and commercial road and off-road vehicles, as well as engines for marine applications, we design, build and market work machines. Our commitment to supporting the sustainable development of agriculture is the basis of our Clean Energy Leader® strategy, launched in 2006, which promotes the use of renewable fuels, systems for reducing emissions, technological instruments and agricultural activities sustainable.
Walvoil
Walvoil, part of the Interpump Group since 2015, merges also both Hydrocontrol’s and Galtech’s experiences and brands.
Among the main manufacturers of integrated hydraulic products, electronics and complete mechatronics systems, Walvoil designs the future of motion in close touch with its customers and its partners from different sectors and markets.
Present in Italy with seven production sites and a well-known Test Department, which is the core of all its R&D activities, Walvoil can count also on eight branches in four continents and a capillary sales network allowing the company to be close to its main customers and markets worldwide.
Exchanges and collaborations with Universities and the main Research Centers in Italy and in the world are part of Walvoil’s approach.