This study aims to assess how alternative electrified powertrain technologies
affect energy use for agricultural tractors in the Autonomie simulation tool.
The goal of this study is also to assess the feasibility and performance of
hydrogen internal combustion engines as a suitable alternative for the
agricultural tractor powertrains. The energy consumption and efficiencies of
alternative powertrains and fuel options are analyzed and compared across a
variety of duty cycles using modeling and simulation methodologies. The
considered alternative powertrains are series, parallel, power-split hybrid
electric, fuel cell, and battery electric powertrains. The alternative fuel and
powertrains are evaluated for their energy efficiency as well as their potential
to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve overall tractor performance in a
variety of agricultural applications.
Following a methodology developed by Argonne National Laboratory and Aramco
Americas, the study applied prospective future technology scenarios to the
agricultural sector. The simulation results suggest that battery electric
powertrains and fuel cell electric powertrains offer long-term greenhouse gas
reduction potential when combined with renewable energy production, while
alternative powertrains with hydrogen engines can be considered as one of
intermediate solutions that offer more practical and competitive operating costs
while leveraging existing powertrain component manufacturing infrastructure. The
results of this study provide insight into the benefits and challenges of
integrating alternative fuel and alternative powertrain technologies into
agricultural machinery and point the way toward more sustainable and
energy-efficient agriculture.
