Thermal Management Control Strategy for Hybrid Electric Tractor

2025-28-0318

To be published on 11/06/2025

Authors Abstract
Content
Global emission norms are getting stringent due to combat the harmful effluent of the internal combustion engine. Hence internal combustion engine (ICE)-based agricultural tractors need to introduce complex after-treatment systems and fuel optimization to provide same or higher value to farmers as cost of these systems drive the overall cost of the product. Engineers around the world are building Electric vehicles to combat the problem and has range issues due to design constraints & Hybrid tractors have emerged as a promising intermittent solution. It helps in combining the advantages of respective ICE and electrification solutions while reducing overall vehicle emissions and enhances operational flexibility. This paper presents a modular thermal modes system developed for a hybrid electric tractor platform where a downsized diesel engine operates at optimal efficiency DC generator used to charge the battery & DC converter is used to charge the auxiliary battery. Battery which is used to turn powers three independent motors. Traction 2W drive, Traction 4W drive & PTO drive/hydraulics. To maintain optimal operating temperatures of engine, power electronics components (battery, inverter, and motors), a smart thermal control architecture is developed using a radiator-based liquid cooling system. Engine waste heating recovery used for battery pre-conditioning. The system is designed with the capability to cool, engine, battery & power electronics. This thermal management control strategy cooling system works based on coolant temperature, battery temperature & ambient condition, control valves and temperature sensor send request to the VCU. VCU monitor the temperature, voltage & current. It communicates with battery BMS & motor controller within the tractor. This paper outlines the system objectives, architecture, operational thermal modes, and the control logic that enables modular thermal response. Proper thermal logic to be developed for various operating states and operating environments. In the present study thermal management control strategy has been derived and explained in the technical paper
Meta TagsDetails
Citation
K, S., Makana, M., K, M., Natarajan, S. et al., "Thermal Management Control Strategy for Hybrid Electric Tractor," SAE Technical Paper 2025-28-0318, 2025, .
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
To be published on Nov 6, 2025
Product Code
2025-28-0318
Content Type
Technical Paper
Language
English