Biomethane is a valuable alternative to fossil fuels, specifically in transport sector, contributing to "energy security"and "carbon neutrality". Though at present, research has mainly invested in the automotive sector, the demand for alternative and low environmental impact fuels is growing. Hence, in the scope of energy transition, also in the agricultural sector machinery manufacturers have started developing the first solutions able to reduce the environmental impact of tractors. In addition, on-farm biomethane production would represents a great opportunity for the development of more "circular"systems producing renewable energy from "residual biomass"(e.g. livestock effluents, agricultural waste). Under this framework, the TOBIAS project, launched in 2020 and funded by the Piedmont Region (North-western Italy), is aimed to investigate the development and application of a biomethane supply chain for agricultural tractors engines. The project involves both industrial and academic partners: FPT Industrial, the project-leader, focusing on development and industrialization of the engines; STC srl, providing support to R&D; DIMSPORT srl, integrating engines and biomethane fuel systems; Torino Crea Engineering srl, specialized in the construction of special vehicles; Hysytech srl, skilled in gas treatment and recovery; CNR-STEMS, focusing on the assessment of the system sustainability and promoting the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and technologies. The project will lead to the development of two biomethane-powered prototypes, one wheeled and one crawler. The development will consist of: i) vehicle and engine components design; ii) engine construction and testing to identify optimal operating conditions; iii) tractors configuration for the use of compressed or liquefied biomethane; iv) field-tests to determine vehicle performance (power, torque, consumption, etc.) in real conditions; v) demonstration of the specialized biomethane-powered tractors while performing agricultural operation in a vineyard and on-farm refueling. In the present contribution, project framework, preliminary results and future implications are discussed.
Designing a Biomethane Circular Supply Chain for Agricultural Tractors Engines: The TOBIAS Project
Assandri D;Bagagiolo G;Cavallo E;Pampuro N
2022
Abstract
Biomethane is a valuable alternative to fossil fuels, specifically in transport sector, contributing to "energy security"and "carbon neutrality". Though at present, research has mainly invested in the automotive sector, the demand for alternative and low environmental impact fuels is growing. Hence, in the scope of energy transition, also in the agricultural sector machinery manufacturers have started developing the first solutions able to reduce the environmental impact of tractors. In addition, on-farm biomethane production would represents a great opportunity for the development of more "circular"systems producing renewable energy from "residual biomass"(e.g. livestock effluents, agricultural waste). Under this framework, the TOBIAS project, launched in 2020 and funded by the Piedmont Region (North-western Italy), is aimed to investigate the development and application of a biomethane supply chain for agricultural tractors engines. The project involves both industrial and academic partners: FPT Industrial, the project-leader, focusing on development and industrialization of the engines; STC srl, providing support to R&D; DIMSPORT srl, integrating engines and biomethane fuel systems; Torino Crea Engineering srl, specialized in the construction of special vehicles; Hysytech srl, skilled in gas treatment and recovery; CNR-STEMS, focusing on the assessment of the system sustainability and promoting the advancement and dissemination of knowledge and technologies. The project will lead to the development of two biomethane-powered prototypes, one wheeled and one crawler. The development will consist of: i) vehicle and engine components design; ii) engine construction and testing to identify optimal operating conditions; iii) tractors configuration for the use of compressed or liquefied biomethane; iv) field-tests to determine vehicle performance (power, torque, consumption, etc.) in real conditions; v) demonstration of the specialized biomethane-powered tractors while performing agricultural operation in a vineyard and on-farm refueling. In the present contribution, project framework, preliminary results and future implications are discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
