Bredenoord creates prototype methanol genset

Netherlands power specialist Bredenoord has developed a prototype 100kVA methanol powered genset and displayed the unit at the Bauma show.

The generator, developed in partnership with Netherlands engine company Koninklijke Van Twist (KVT), uses 100% methanol fuel and will provide a power output of 100kVA/80kW.

Bredenoord has partnered with Koninklijke Van Twist (KVT) in the design of the methanol genset. (Image: IRN)

Weighing around 2.9t, it will consume 45-50 litres per hour of methanol at full power.

The development of the methanol set signals a shift in focus for Bredenoord away from hydrogen fuel cell and hydrogen combustion technology – because the transport and supply infrastructure for hydrogen still poses challenges.

Toon Bruining, Bredenoord’s chief commercial officer, speaking to International Rental News at Bauma, said the prototype was the first methanol powered mobile genset in the world; “We are taking another route: Stage V engines, with batteries, engines with HVO fuel, and the next stage is methanol. We only see benefits in comparison to hydrogen”

He said methanol was cheaper than hydrogen and with a higher energy content.

The unit uses a base diesel engine converted to run on methanol, with a different cylinder head and ignition system. Bredenoord’s partner, KVT, is a dealer for Rehlco gensets (formerly Kohler and SDMO) as well as engine manufacturer Perkins.

The generator is being finalised now, with possible future challenges related to regulations. The transport and storage of methanol is relatively easy and can be done using standard IBC tanks.

Bredenoord’s prototype methanol genset - pictured at Bauma - uses a modified diesel engine. (Photo: IRN)

The company said the emissions for the methanol engine should be comparable to or better than a biogas engine, although emission tests to be conducted this year will confirm that.

Bruining said the company was using the Bauma show to promote its full range of power products, spanning diesel gensets up to 2000kVA and ‘battery box’ energy storage units up to 665kWh.

The company both rents and sells products in the Netherlands and Germany. It has been present in Germany for more than 20 years and has four rental centres and one sales location in the country.