Design and calibration of a fuel consumption measurement system for a diesel tractor

Abstract

One of the best methods to measure fuel consumption of a tractor engine is using flow meter sensors on the tractor. In this study, a system for measuring fuel consumption was designed. The measurement system was installed on the engine of a 72.3 KW John Deere 3140 tractor. In this system, an electronic board was used to receive and save digital pulses sent by the flow meter sensors. One of the sensors was installed where fuel enters the injector pump, another flow meter was located where fuel returns to the tank. Accuracy of sensors in both the laboratory test and when working in field conditions were compared. Some capabilities of the system are:  measuring fuel consumption of the engine in temporal or local circumstances, showing instantaneous fuel consumption, and easy installation without significant effects on the engine under common working conditions.

Keywords: Fuel consumption, Sensor, Flow meter, Tractor, Engineering