Measurement of engine performance and maps-based emission prediction of agricultural tractors under actual operating conditions

This paper develops a comprehensive data collection system (CDCS) based on radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, on-board diagnostic system (OBD), and portable emission measurement system (PEMS) to study the performance of tractors in the real world. The actual operating modes, fuel consumption and emission levels of the tractor engine were studied and the braking thermal efficiency (BTE) under actual operating conditions was reported for the first time, with a maximum value close to 45%. The engine maps were developed and used to predict tractor emissions and fuel consumption, and the results showed that it can accurately predict tractor fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, with mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) and coefficient of determination (R2) values reaching over 90%. This article provides a reliable testing and prediction method for the actual performance of tractor engines, and suggests that real performance indicators should be given better attention.