Using the FMEA method to Optimize fuel consumption in Tillage by Moldboard Plow

Tillage is the one of greatest energy consumers in agriculture. This study aimed to reduce fuel consumption in moldboard plowing using the failure mode and effects (FMEA) method. FMEA is a new methodology to analyze potential reliability problems in the development cycle of the project, making it easier to take actions to overcome such issues, thus enhancing the reliability through design or process. FMEA is used to identify actions to mitigate the analyzed potential failure modes and their effect on the operations. Application of FMEA in this study revealed that plowing speed, soil moisture content and plowing depth are the most important factors in tillage fuel consumption, with 640, 480 and 420 RPN respectively. A splitfactorial design was conducted to examine the validity of the FMEA results. Experimental data confirmed these results, showing that plowing depth, soil moisture content and plowing speed significantly influenced fuel consumption. After implementing the results suggested by the FMEA, fuel consumption decreased by 16.40%. Therefore work in conditions with appropriate soil moisture, plowing depth and plowing speed can decrease fuel consumption and environmental impact issues in tillage.