A concentrated-parameter model for the validation of a tractor heating system during artificial winter conditions

In the present paper, a concentrated-parameter model is presented, in order to simulate the behavior of a climatic chamber suitably designed for testing tracked and wheeled tractors. Reference is made to standard-severe winter conditions (–18°C), i.e., the tractor dissipates thermal power in a climatic chamber that reproduces winter temperature and humidity conditions. The software package Matlab-Simulink is utilized and the system under investigation consists of 5 blocks. The dynamic modeling first covers a 10 hours period to reach the prescribed conditions for the climatic test chamber. Then, after this preparation period, the tractor’s engine is supposed to work. The simulations show that higher values of the adduction coefficient are preferable since they allow obtaining quickly, and with a lower heating power, the desired comfort conditions for the machine’s cabin.