Blue World Technologies & AGCO Power reveal methanol fuel cell range extender
The Danish developer of methanol fuel cell components and systems, Blue World Technologies and AGCO Power, specialized in the design, manufacture and distribution of agricultural equipment, have developed a concept and prototype for extending the range of the Fendt e100 Vario electric tractor. The concept is based on the Blue World Technologies fuel cell platform and enables a longer operating time with methanol as a liquid fuel.
The two European companies have constructed prototypes and conducted field tests with what they say has been “very good early success.” The tractor Range Extender Concept is powered by liquid methanol (formed with carbon capture CO2 and hydrogen) converted into a hydrogen-rich gas that powers the fuel cells. The fuel cells generate electricity that charges the tractor batteries while in operation. When powered by renewable methanol, the Blue World platform boasts net-zero operation.
The Danish methanol fuel cell developer says the high-temperature PEM fuel cell technology running on methanol enables longer operation times and fast refuelling, similar to fueling with conventional liquid fuels like diesel.
Kari Aaltonen, Director of Engineering at AGCO Power, explains, “Agriculture is currently going through a transformation and is looking for a new propulsion solution that can be aligned with climate protection. Green methanol is a suitable candidate, and due to its liquid nature, it is possible to store it in a tank, much like diesel fuel. This means storing it does not require the same complex arrangements as storing hydrogen, for example. The high electrical efficiency of the Blue World fuel cells makes it ideal to combine with methanol”.
Blue World says the platform can be tailor-made to fit different applications and required power demands. Methanol fuel cells are not only being looked at for heavy-duty agricultural machinery but also for heavy-duty transport, material handling, construction and maritime applications. Each fuel cell stack typically contains 90 to 160 cells, providing 5 to 20 kW, while several fuel cell stacks can be coupled to meet the required power demand.
The methanol fuel cells are based on high-temperature (HT) PEM technology, which operates at 160-180°C and has a high resistance to impurities. Blue Power says this makes it an ideal combination with methanol-reforming.
What makes the HT PEM fuel cells unique is the potential for waste heat utilization. This means the waste heat from the fuel cell can be used to drive the process of reforming methanol, which, in turn, optimises the total system efficiency. Waste heat can also be used for additional energy recovery. Blue World states that the fuel cell platform has an electrical efficiency of 40-60%, depending on the load.
In 2019, Roland Gumpert presented methanol fuel cell technology from Blue World Technologies for a concept electric car. Since then, methanol fuel cell technology has been largely identified as being most appropriate for heavy-duty applications.
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