SBIR Phase I: Low-Volume Low-Cost Modular Manufacturing Process for Electric Tractor

该SBIR第一阶段项目将为可持续有机农业和其他以小型农场为基础的市场开发和验证第一台电动紧凑型通用拖拉机(EFarmer)的原型。Farmer取消了所有与化石燃料相关的部件(内燃机、散热器和排气)以及所有液压缸、泵、有毒机油和低效动力输出(PTO)，显著降低了整体系统的复杂性，同时提高了可靠性和操作和维修的简易性。该项目将有助于将最新的基础研究转化为商业上可行的和客户期望的小型农场电动拖拉机，长期效益包括提高拖拉机性能效率、消除污染、可再生能源发电、长期可持续发展、便携式电力和新的当地就业以及农村地区的经济发展。eFarmer是第一款商业化设计的小型农场插电式电动拖拉机，采用最新的电动汽车技术，具有高效交流电机、可编程电源控制器、锂电池和可更换电池组，可扩展性能，所有电动3点悬挂在前、中和后方位置，电动转向允许远程指导。专有的电动拖拉机桥架和电池充电独立电池管理系统使农场主成为独一无二的拖拉机。第一阶段研发工作的目标是创造Farmer的原型，为第二阶段的商业化努力和大规模生产做好准备。更具体地说，该项目将重点解决以下技术挑战：(1)创造组装时间显著缩短的新的集成电子模块；(2)新的充电和电池管理系统；(3)适用于电动拖拉机的性能、可靠性和安全的新标准。

This SBIR Phase I Project will develop and validate a prototype of the first Electric Compact Utility Tractor (eFarmer) for sustainable and organic agriculture and other small-farm based markets. The eFarmer eliminates all fossil fuel related components (internal combustion engine, radiator, and exhaust) as well as all hydraulic cylinders, pumps, toxic oils and inefficient power take-off (PTO), significantly reducing overall system complexity while increasing reliability and ease of operation and servicing. This project will help to translate the most recent fundamental research into a commercially feasible and customer-desirable small farm electric tractor with long-term benefits including increased tractor performance efficiency, pollution elimination, renewable energy generation, long-term sustainability, portable power and new local employment and economic development in rural areas that are economically disadvantaged.eFarmer is the first commercially designed small farm plug-in electric tractor and incorporates the latest in EV technology with high efficiency AC motor, programmable power controller, lithium battery and exchangeable battery packs for extended performance, all electric 3 point hitches in front, mid and rear positions, electric steering allowing remote guidance. Proprietary electric tractor transaxle and Cell Charge individual battery management system make the eFarmer a one-of-a-kind tractor. The objective for Phase I research and development efforts is to create eFarmer's prototype that is ready for Phase II commercialization efforts and mass production. More specifically, the project will focus on the following technological challenges: (1) creating new integrated electronics module with a significantly lower assembly time; (2) new charging and battery management system; and (3) new standards for performance, reliability and safety applicable to electric tractors.