Hydrogen tractor is on the way
The engineering department of AGCO in France is leading a newly created French consortium called ARHYSTOTE. This consortium was launched to develop the next generation of smart hydrogen storage tanks, specifically designed for future hydrogen combustion tractors. “This project forms an integral part of AGCO’s commitment to develop off-road solutions to sustainably meet farmers’ needs […]
The engineering department of AGCO in France is leading a newly created French consortium called ARHYSTOTE. This consortium was launched to develop the next generation of smart hydrogen storage tanks, specifically designed for future hydrogen combustion tractors.
“This project forms an integral part of AGCO’s commitment to develop off-road solutions to sustainably meet farmers’ needs including the development of a Massey Ferguson hydrogen demonstrator tractor by 2026,” says Frédéric Cavoleau, Vice President of Engineering at the AGCO’s Beauvais facility in France.
On-board storage is a critical component of hydrogen powered off-road machines. Hydrogen needs to be shrunk into a tight space through high pressure in order to store enough to meet duty cycle requirements. As such, this consortium of French based companies, AGCO, Cetim, IPC, IFTH, Raigi and OliKrom have joined forces to invest in hydrogen storage technology and develop novel, high pressure hydrogen storage tanks aimed for use in an agricultural tractor as well as for other off-road heavy applications.
The project will undertake eight steps including analysis, manufacture and initial testing of the tank design proving feasibility and a clear route to industrialization and integration into a future Massey Ferguson hydrogen tractor, generating confidence that the machine will perform to the challenging standards required in service.
Project ARHYSTOTE has secured 4,4 million € funding by the French State as part of France 2030 operated by ADEME (the French agency for ecological transition).
“The zero emissions (at exhaust) demonstrator tractor will be based on the characteristics of the conventional Massey Ferguson mid horse-power tractor platform and will leverage Massey Ferguson’s Eco-design approach, as well as the full potential of an AGCO Power engine” adds Frédéric Cavoleau, “This engine concept will bring significant development cost reductions for the overall tractor because it is built on a familiar design and architecture. Moreover, the cooling, transmission and hydraulic systems are similar to these used in diesel engines while seamlessly integrating the newly developed hydrogen tanks under the cab.”
“At AGCO and Massey Ferguson, we are convinced that we must have a positive impact on our communities by reducing our operations’ as well as our farmers’ environmental footprint to secure a sustainable world for future generations”, says Thierry Lhotte, Vice-President & Managing Director Massey Ferguson Europe & Middle East. “Amongst other alternatives, expanding the use of hydrogen is a cornerstone of the needed energy transition. Hydrogen perfectly suits heavy-duty off-road vehicles requirements such as mid-horsepower tractors, keeping our global promise to offer Straightforward, Dependable and Accessible products and services to farmers feeding the world in a sustainable manner.”
Partner contributions to the project
AGCO is already developing hydrogen combustion engines through research and development work done at the engine production plant of AGCO Power in Nokia, Finland.
Cetim will contribute its technical skills to the project, especially in relation to the material aspects to design and manufacture high pressure composite thermoplastic tanks.
RAIGI will contribute its expertise in the manufacture of hydrogen liners for the project. These parts are vital to ensure the hydrogen storage to ensure that hydrogen storage is both efficient and safe.
IFTH is in charge of the spinning of thermoplastic formulations integrating pigments, design and implementation of the functional thread (sensor, detector, etc.).
CT-IPC will contribute in developing innovative liner for the hydrogen a pioneering technical center dedicated to developing advanced liners using new thermoplastic compounds. Their mission extends to creating sustainable solutions for hydrogen tanks based on thermoplastic composites, utilizing recycled materials to ensure eco-friendly and high-performance composites.
OliKrom will contribute its skills in photochemistry, and its expertise in developing intelligent materials with calibrated properties. The aim is to develop Hydrogen and shock-sensitive pigments.
