| Utilizing machine and thermal system simulations (vehicle energy models) can be very helpful for vehicle manufacturing companies to develop a machine with acceptable component temperatures, less heat loads to the vehicle cooling systems, and reduced emissions that will also reduce overall product development cycle. Energy models of vehicles were developed mostly in the automotive industry, and most of these studies were based on partial energy models.; The aim of this research study was to create a comprehensive energy model for agricultural machinery, which will be a basis for future work on similar products. A tractor model from a Midwest off-road machinery manufacturing company was selected as a starting point for modeling. The work in creating the model has been presented in detail. Verification of the simulation model has been carried out using the results from three different wind tunnel tests that have been conducted by the Midwest company; namely the PTO test, the AXLE test, and the high-speed wind tunnel transport test.; The critical parameters were selected to be analyzed for each test were the top tank Temperature, the intake manifold temperature, the oil cooler inlet temperature, the oil cooler outlet temperature, the fuel cooler inlet temperature, the fuel cooler outlet temperature, the fan speed, the engine speed, the PTO torque and the axle torque.; Based on the analysis of data, it was concluded that the comprehensive energy model is adequately representing the selected tractor model, from the energy distribution and the component temperatures point of view. Therefore, it can be used for specific field missions that are not easy to conduct in a wind tunnel set up to acquire data for the critical parameters. |
