In the previous CORE Insights article, Jussi Hyvärinen explained how half of the fuel energy in tractors and off-road machines is typically lost as waste heat, but optimizing the machine’s cooling system can significantly improve fuel efficiency. Traditional cooling systems are often designed for extreme conditions, resulting in unnecessary fuel consumption during lighter work. In this second part of the article, Jussi takes a closer look at how every aspect of AGCO Power CORE engines is designed with maximal thermal efficiency in mind, enabling both fuel savings and lower emissions.
Saving fuel is never that simple, as the tractors and other off-road machines are complex systems with each component having their optimal operating temperatures. The important thing is to focus on where it matters. With a little exaggeration, you can say that the flywheel temperature is not important, but the oil temperature is.
The AGCO Power CORE engines have some advanced thermal management design in them. For example, they are designed to operate with their thermostat fully open at extended periods of time, with extra care on cooling of the most critical parts. Another design feature is the water-oil heat exchanger, which enables reaching the operating temperature faster and keeping the oil cooler.
At AGCO Power we like to view the machine as a whole – so much so, that we always say we don’t sell engines, we sell projects that include installation and many other aspects as well.
The big picture
Saving fuel is important – not only for economic reasons, but for reducing CO2 emissions as well. And whatever the future power source for machine work will be, it also benefits from improved fuel economy. For example, it is not practical to lug around a huge tank of hydrogen, so it’s better to minimize its consumption.For the end user, the improved fuel economy brings many benefits. A penny saved is a penny earned, as they say. In public debate, the farmers and other professionals are often called upon to lower their CO2 emissions, and the improved fuel economy gives them the tools to do so while saving on operating costs. That’s a real win-win situation!