Blog: Advancements In Charger Technology for Agricultural Machinery | Delta-Q Technologies

Smart farming is the future of sustainability. The combination of digital technologies and electrification has the potential to disrupt the agricultural industry—maximizing crop yields, water usage, and food traceability while reducing reliance on pesticides and fertilizers.

But historically, farmers have been reluctant to embrace the digital revolution, citing costs, downtime, and a lack of power access and utility infrastructure among their chief complaints.?

Recent developments in charger technology, like improvements in charger power, location, and management, have helped to shift industry attitudes toward agricultural electrification.?

Importance of Charging Systems?

Maintaining optimal battery run-time, lifetime, and safety necessitate the right charging system. But the specific design of that system for a given application depends on the type of equipment it’s used with, the available power source, and the job requirements.?

These systems play a vital role in agriculture’s electrification.

By adopting a modern charging system, farmers will enjoy the following benefits:?

• A reliable source of power – Electric tractors, combines, irrigation systems, and other machinery rely on a steady power source to ensure that operations run smoothly and consistently.?
• Equipment and battery health – Modern charging systems can help extend the lifespan of the battery and machinery itself by providing consistent and controlled power flow that aligns with manufacturer specifications.???
• Optimal performance – Different types of batteries require specific systems and voltages. They need to be charged under proper conditions. Smart chargers can adjust charging rates automatically to optimize battery performance and prevent overcharging. Newer batteries provide enhanced power output and capacity.??

Moving forward, these benefits will continue to achieve wider applicability because of advancements in charger technology.

Three Advancements in Charger Technology

Charging infrastructure, or a lack thereof, has long played an inhibiting role in adopting electrification. As Energy News notes:?

“Modern agriculture depends on a fleet of heavy-duty vehicles and machinery, from pickup trucks and small utility vehicles to massive tractors and combines that can weigh from a few tons up to as much as 15 tons, plus attachments. All that weight, along with dawn-to-dusk workdays and multiple worksites, adds to the challenges of electrification.”

That said, three recent advancements could address many of these inherent challenges.?

#1 Charger Power?

Modern farming operations rely on a fleet of vehicles capable of operating at full capacity from sun up to sun down. This is why, traditionally, most farm equipment has relied on diesel, which has a high power-to-weight ratio in energy storage.

But advancements in charger power have begun shifting this paradigm.?

Modern batteries and charging systems have different:?

• Charge time requirements – Downtime from charging is one of the largest barriers to electrification. However, as battery-swapping and high-power charging solutions continue to develop,farmers would be ablecharge their equipment faster, and enhanced battery capacity will allow the machines to run longer.?
• Size constraints – Designers of both batteries and charging systems have sought to reduce their size. But what truly spurred this reduction has been the transition from lead-acid batteries to modern lithium batteries, which have increased the energy density roughly 500% when comparing the upper ranges of both options. As a result, the battery's effective energy capacity is enhanced, while batteries are only a fraction of the size and weight.?
• Cost considerations – As with all types of technology, the more widely available it is, the lower the costs tend to be. Batteries and chargers are no exception. According to researchers from MIT, over the past three decades, lithium-ion batteries’ cost has decreased by 97% since their commercial introduction. Going by these trends, OEMs and operators can assume that further advancements in battery and charging technology will result in cheaper procurement and operational costs.???

#2 Charger Location?

On-board changing solutions and lithium battery technology are also significantly improving how farm machinery can operate, allowing them to run without needing to return to an external battery charger.?

In the past, most charging was conducted off-board, meaning that the charging system was primarily housed within the charging station. While these larger units still have an important place—especially since they provide a faster charge—they do have some limitations.?

For example, the charger and its accessories must be handled and cared for separately. Also, off-board chargers don’t inherently provide real-time telematics.

However, batteries and on-board chargers have evolved, enabling the transition from off-board to on-board charging. Today, farm equipment can operate using an on-board charger or a hybrid system. This allows for improved operational and battery system control, data telematics (e.g., battery and charging performance), and opportunity charging support wherever a power source is available.

#3 Charge Management?

The advancements in charger technology have improved the efficiency and effectiveness of charging systems while also making it easier for farmers to monitor and manage the charging process.

Another boon of digitalism has been the emergence of big data and connectivity.?

Modern charging systems can connect with on-board computers and telematics systems to farm the data generated by the electrical systems. Once gathered, they can then sift through that information, converting it into actionable insights about vehicle and energy usage, such as:

• Voltage
• Consistency of usage
• Activity power requirements?
• Idling time
• Poor charging practices
• Equipment failure flags??

Further, many of these “smart charge” systems use sophisticated algorithms to automate battery charging to maximize battery life and vehicle performance. The chargers send this data over the controller area network (CAN), allowing management of charge delivery by either a vehicle control unit or battery management system.

All in all, this results in less work—and more efficient charging.

The Electrification of Agriculture

Although the agricultural industry has been late to embrace and adopt electrification, momentum has begun. Thanks to advancements in charger technology—particularly in relation to power, location, and management—the future of agriculture is greener.??

Modern optimizations have made batteries last longer and work harder. It’s now easier than ever for farmers to keep their machinery charged and ready to use.?

The agricultural industry's long-term prospects are looking bright, thanks to this wave of electrification. Over the coming decade, the electrification of agriculture will likely result in better crop yields, smarter farming practices, and a more sustainable future.?

About Delta-Q Technologies

Delta-Q Technologies is charging the future and driving the world’s transition to electric energy. We collaboratively design, test, and manufacture robust battery chargers that improve the performance of our customer’s electric drive vehicles and industrial machines. As the supplier of choice for Tier 1 OEMs, our customer support and?engineering expertise guide our customers through the electrification process for a sustainable world.

Delta-Q is part of the ZAPI GROUP of companies and headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. The team and distribution span five continents to service industries such as electric golf cars, lift trucks, aerial work platforms, e-mobility, floor care machines, utility/recreational vehicles, and new markets, like outdoor power equipment. Please visit?www.delta-q.com?or follow company updates on?Twitter?and?LinkedIn?for more information.