Research project ripe for market
Europes first diesel tractor powered by natural gas / biogas
Biogas brings tractor up to speed / Environment-friendly drive
concept
Following the first research and development project of its kind in
Europe, Steyr is set in future to switch to environment-friendly and
cost-saving natural gas / bio gas fuel.
A firm called LuPower has been working together with Steyr to
develop the prototype of a diesel tractor powered by natural gas /
biogas.
The biogas fuel is generated by conventional biogas plants.
Retrofit available
Modern diesel tractors can be converted to biogas operation using a
retrofit kit. As a result, all machines in agricultural, forestry and
municipal applications can be operated more environment-friendly
and cost effectively.
A solution to reduce costs and protect the climate has been
developed by Steyr, LuPower and oberösterreichische Ferngas:
In future a CVT 6195 type tractor can be operated using diesel,
biogas or natural gas. The requisite biogas comes directly from the
farm.
This new technology, which can also be used to power agricultural
machinery, was presented to the agricultural press for the first time at
the end of March.
"As one of the most innovative tractor manufacturers, we have a duty
to develop alternative energies and technologies as innovations for
our products", says Andreas Klauser, European Managing Director of
Case IH and Steyr.
Fuel costs can be reduced by up to 40 percent
By converting a Steyr CVT 6195 to be able to operate with diesel,
natural gas and biogas, up to 40 percent of diesel costs can be
saved.
Because biogas is CO2 neutral as a fuel, this development is not just
cost effective; it also protects the climate and our environment. By
switching to natural gas and biogas, CO2 emissions are reduced by
around 20 percent per journey.
Environment-friendly power
The reduction in NOx is approx. 17 percent, particulate emissions are
19 percent lower, hydrocarbons are 87 percent lower and 97 percent
less carbon monoxide is emitted.
Diesel fuel is still required as an ignition catalyst to run the diesel
engines, but the quantity of biogas admixed to the combustion air can
be regulated according to the power curve, considerably reducing the
proportion of diesel required in the fuel mix.
"In Europe there is a large number of agricultural biogas plants, most
of which are used to generate electricity", explains Andreas Klauser.
"Sufficient quantities of biogas are available as fuel for tractors as a
result," is how Andreas Klauser views an additional advantage for the
new technology.
The biogenetic fuel is generated in conventional biogas plants from
liquid manure, sustainable raw materials and biogenetic waste.
Biogas can therefore be produced in-situ by any agricultural or
municipal business. Using tried and tested filter technology, the
biogas can be treated to produce high-quality bio fuel. The biogas is
filled into composite cylinders that are then mounted on the tractor
chassis. This innovative retrofit technology was designed by LuPower
based in St. Andrä in Lungau/Salzburg.
And theres more - the Steyr experts are aware of other advantages
too: "the production of biogas reduces the imports of fossil fuel and
increases the value created by ones own land", says Wolfgang
Müller, Press Officer at Steyr in St. Valentin.
***
Steyr Tractors - CNH Austria
Steyr represents more than 60 years of industry-leading technology
from Austria and specialises in tractors of the highest quality and
exceptional comfort. The impressive range of Steyr tractors features
ongoing technical innovations for the highest productivity in the
agricultural, forestry and municipal sectors. The Steyr dealership
network guarantees optimum customer service on site. For more
information please visit www.steyr-traktoren.com.
OÖ. Ferngas AG
OÖ. Ferngas AG supplies natural gas through a network
infrastructure of 5,056 kilometres of pipelines. This underground
network transports around 2 billion cubic metres of natural gas every
year. The turnover of the OÖ. Ferngas Group in 2007/08 was EUR
120.92 million. In order to guarantee supplies over the long-term, the
business made investments of EUR 21.81 million during the last
business year.
OÖ. Ferngas AG is owned 65 percent by Energie AG Oberösterreich,
28 percent by Linz AG and 7 percent by Elektrizitätswerk Wels. Major
holdings of OÖ. Ferngas AG include the 100% subsidiary Erdgas OÖ.
and their 100% subsidiary ENSERV Energieservice, a heat provider.
LuPower
LuPower GmbH & Co KG intends its activities to contribute to
independence from traditional fossil fuels and to create a healthier
environment. Our potential is not just in the technical solutions we
offer - it is also in our motivation to implement these technical
solutions and opportunities inline with the companys philosophy.
- Retrofitting petrol and diesel engines to operate with CNG (natural
gas/biogas).
- Innovation and development of alternative fuel systems.
- Mobile pressure vessel systems.
- Overall concepts for natural gas/biogas.
_________________________________
STEYR is a CNH brand
Steyr has been synonymous with leading technology and high-quality
machinery for more than 60 years. The excellent Austrian-built tractor range focuses on outstanding comfort and precision operation, using proven technical innovations to maximise productivity for operators in the agricultural, forestry and municipal sector. Customers appreciate the first-class support they receive from the professional and highly experienced network of Steyr dealers. More information on Steyr products and services can be found online at www.steyr-traktoren.com.
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St.Valentin, June 2009