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

SBIR第一阶段项目将开发和验证第一台电动紧凑型多用途拖拉机（eFarmer）的原型，用于可持续有机农业和其他小农场市场。eFarmer消除了所有与化石燃料相关的组件（内燃机、散热器和排气）以及所有液压缸、泵、有毒油和低效动力输出（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便利性。该项目将有助于将最新的基础研究转化为商业上可行和客户期望的小型农用电动拖拉机，其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，长期可持续性，便携式电源和新的当地就业和经济发展的农村地区，经济上处于不利地位。eFarmer是第一个商业设计的小型农场插头，这款电动拖拉机采用了最新的电动汽车技术，包括高效交流电机、可编程功率控制器、锂电池和可更换电池组，可扩展性能，前、中、后位置全电动3点挂接，电动转向允许远程指导。专有的电动拖拉机驱动桥和电池充电独立电池管理系统使eFarmer成为独一无二的拖拉机。第一阶段研发工作的目标是创建eFarmer的原型，为第二阶段的商业化工作和大规模生产做好准备。更具体地说，该项目将专注于以下技术挑战：（1）创建新的集成电子模块，大大缩短组装时间;（2）新的充电和电池管理系统;以及（3）适用于电动拖拉机的性能，可靠性和安全性的新标准。

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.