Electric conversion of an agricultural machine : Direct connection to solar trackers and the power grid

The agricultural sector is currently highly dependent on fossil fuels, with diesel being most prominent. There are however both historical and modern alternatives that have not been subject to enough evaluation to disregard them as suitable alternative. This report aims to theoretically investigate the feasibility of converting a conventional diesel driven tractor to run on electricity, delivered via a cable connected to either the main power grid or on-site electric production, such as photovoltaic. Delivering electricity to the machine via a cable is a method with historical roots in the early 20th century and in the present day mining industry. The economic and technological potential of the technique are evaluated, along with the examination of several different motor powers, voltages, losses and construction ideas. The report finds the technique to be both possible as well as long term economically and environmentally beneficial. To realise this method however, some deviations from the present methods of agricultural farming must be made, considering the more advanced driving patterns, the limited mobility and the requirement for extra driver awareness. Furthermore, this study finds further research in this field necessary, and the construction of a functional prototype highly desirable