A number of battery-electric tractors have already been developed on the way to zero-emission agriculture (ZEM). However, universal use is prevented by the fact that the requirements in terms of range, operating time, refueling time and weight are only partially met. In the preliminary FCTRAC project, a fuel cell-electric tractor was therefore developed and successfully subjected to extensive use. As part of this project, a so-called BioH2Module was developed on the infrastructure side, which enables hydrogen to be produced from biogenic gases such as product gas, biogas or sewage gas. The entire system confirmed its functionality very impressively. From the experience and knowledge gained, further steps and measures can now be derived for the path towards zero-emission mobility: For rapid introduction and dissemination, robust and more cost-effective solutions are required on the tractor side. In this respect, an H2 combustion engine offers ideal conditions. The use of innovative technologies such as direct H2 injection, hybridization and electrified ancillary units makes sense in order to optimize efficiency and packaging, which makes integrated H2 storage in the vehicle possible. In addition to lower costs, the combustion engine also offers advantages such as simpler cooling, lower requirements for the purity of the hydrogen and no need to separate harmful gases such as ammonia from fertilizers from the ambient air compared to a fuel cell system. In order to comply with a zero emission standard, the aim is to avoid nitrogen oxide emissions - other pollutants are negligible when using hydrogen as fuel. Another innovation to increase efficiency and create space for the H2 storage is the development of an electrically power-split transmission (E-CVT transmission) in conjunction with electrified auxiliary units. In addition to efficiency advantages, the E-CVT transmission offers a range of hybrid functions up to electric driving with a high-voltage battery. The electrification of auxiliary units allows control and operation as required as well as degrees of freedom in the package, which not only increases efficiency but also makes storage easier.
In addition to the use of biomass for H2 production, as demonstrated in the preliminary project, there is a strong trend in agricultural operations towards PV systems on roofs and agri-PV systems on green spaces. However, the electrical storage options with batteries are very limited and therefore storing the energy in chemical form by converting it into hydrogen via electrolysis makes sense, as it offers a wide range of applications. The aim is to reduce costs - in the area of H2 filling stations, for example, the 700 bar compressor offers savings potential. The objective of the project is to derive intelligent low-cost approaches such as alternative compressor technologies adapted to the needs of agricultural operations (e.g. metal hydride compressors, electrochemical compressors, cold fill refueling, etc.).
After the tractor and the hydrogen compression and delivery point have been set up, a demonstration operation of the H2 tractor in real operation will take place in the vicinity of the Energy Hub Neusiedl.
