AGCO Power to show alternative power solutions

AGCO Power, headquartered in Linnavuori, Finland, and part of AGCO Corp., plans to unveil a range of solutions from alternative fuels to electric systems at the Agritechnica trade fair to be held in Germany, November 12-18.

Agritechnica will see the unveiling of the CORE50 diesel engine and the CORE50 eHydrogen prototype mild hybrid engine (shown). (Photo: AGCO Power)

“We are developing off-road solutions to sustainably meet the farmers’ needs including solutions using battery electric, hydrogen, methane and methanol,” said Kelvin Bennett, senior vice president of Engineering at AGCO. “Sustainable agriculture development calls for radical reduction of machinery emissions, and these engines are the most significant power generation prototypes in our history.”

All existing AGCO Power engines, which are used to power tractor brands such as Fendt, Valtra and Massey Ferguson, are fully compatible with hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO), the company noted. In addition, its CORE engine product family is designed from the ground up with future fuels in mind. AGCO Power will introduce the next model in the series – the economical and low-emission CORE50 – at Agritechnica.

The flexible CORE platform is also basis for the eHydrogen prototype mild hybrid engine that will be on display. With hybrid technology, the continuous power from the hydrogen-powered engine is dynamically complemented by the extra power and torque from electricity, the company stated.

AGCO Power’s fuel-cell-based e100 Vario Range Extender Concept

AGCO Power will also show the fuel-cell-based e100 Vario Range Extender Concept, which it said will double the operating time of the existing Fendt electric tractor from four to eight hours. The system changes fossil-free green methanol into hydrogen, which is further converted into electricity that charges the tractor batteries while working.

“As liquid, the green methanol can be stored in a tank much like diesel fuel, which means storing it does not require the same complex arrangements as storing hydrogen, for example,” said Kari Aaltonen, director of Engineering at AGCO Power. “Our R&D must focus on a variety of options since the most suitable solutions depends on the unique needs of farmers.”

The Microgrid Concept set to be on display is designed to help farmers build their own smart electrical grids. It provides uninterrupted power from the source that is the least expensive at a given time, AGCO Power said, whether it’s the power grid, a wind or solar power plant, a generator powered by its own energy source or a battery pack.

The Microgrid Concept can also be connected to a charging station for electric vehicles. To demonstrate this, the company’s stand will include the Battery Pack designed for the Fendt e100 Vario electric tractor. The liquid-cooled battery pack rated 700 volts and 100 kWh offers the performance and capacity to meet most agricultural needs.