Development of Biogas Tractors (Part 2)

──Field Test and Fuel Consumption Performance──

Abstract

Biogas tractors were developed for agricultural purposes with the aim of partially replacing diesel with biogas. This paper mainly discusses the performance and reduction of fuel consumption of these tractors.

The results showed that dual-fuel operation reduced diesel consumption in all field tests, while realizing the same working efficiency. The maximum decrease in fuel consumption was 73% in hay rake operation. The maximum decrease in fuel replacement rate was 79% in broadcaster operation. Furthermore, by using a dynamometer to determine the actual engine power and load in field tests, we reproduced the engine speed and estimated the engine load. Finally, the fuel consumption performance of the tractors at actual engine speed and power was determined.