SUBSTANTIATION OF PARAMETERS OF A MOBILE CHARGING STATION FOR ELECTRIFIED MACHINERY UNDER AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION CONDITIONS

Abstract

The article considers the substantiation and selection of the main parameters of a mobile charging station intended to support the operation of electrified machinery under agricultural production conditions. The relevance of the study is determined by the gradual expansion of electric and hybrid machinery in modern agriculture, including compact electric tractors, robotic platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, battery-powered tools and various types of auxiliary electrical equipment. For agricultural enterprises, an important issue is not only the availability of reliable charging infrastructure, but also the possibility of transporting it directly to fields, farms and other locations where technological operations are performed. A calculation scheme of a mobile charging station is proposed, which includes a battery energy storage unit, photovoltaic modules, an inverter-charger, a charge controller and the possibility of backup connection to the electrical grid or a diesel generator. Such a combined configuration increases the autonomy and flexibility of the charging system and makes it possible to use renewable energy directly at the place of operation. Based on the accepted daily energy demand of electrified agricultural machinery, the required capacity of the battery unit, the installed power of the photovoltaic system, the power of the charging equipment and the expected reduction in electricity consumption from an external source were determined. The calculations show that, to satisfy a daily energy demand of 45 kWh, it is reasonable to use a battery unit with a nominal capacity of 76.8 kWh, charging equipment with a rated power of 22–25 kW and a photovoltaic system with an installed capacity of 8 kW. With an average daily specific photovoltaic output of 3.2 kWh/(kW·day), the expected daily electricity generation reaches 25.6 kWh, which can cover approximately 51% of the station’s energy demand. During 180 days of seasonal operation, the reduction in electricity consumption from an external source may reach 4608 kWh. The obtained results provide a basis for the further design and optimization of mobile charging stations for agricultural applications. The proposed approach can contribute to increasing the autonomy of electrified machinery, reducing dependence on stationary power infrastructure, lowering operating energy costs and expanding the use of renewable energy sources in agricultural production.