June 20, 2022. FPT Industrial paves the way for farmers’ energy independence at The World Biogas Expo 2022, the world’s leading trade show dedicated to the biogas industry, held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham, UK on June 15 and 16.
The brand showcased its solution for Power Generation fueled by renewable resources: the Smart Hybrid Hub powered by FPT Industrial, the world’s first variable speed low-pressure natural gas, hybrid, multi-mode, genset concept entirely by FPT Industrial.
Visitors were able to see “inside” the genset concept and, through the LED walls, follow the full cycle from agricultural production, through electricity generation right up to its use on or outside the farm. The concept is based on the first F28 variable-speed, low-pressure biomethane engine for power generation, with all the fuel deriving from anaerobic digestion of agricultural waste and cattle slurry. The engine is coupled to an FPT Industrial Hybrid Control Management system, featuring an open configuration with batteries and inverter equivalent circuit, depending on the mission profile.
“Our aim is to create a virtuous, sustainable, carbon-net-zero cycle, to allow ‘energy independence’ for farmers,” says Andrea Ercolino, Product Portfolio & Marketing Manager Power Generation at FPT Industrial, “as well as to generate additional revenue opportunities deriving from sales of surplus biomethane. Another step forward for FPT Industrial in the energy transition path.”
In addition to fueling the genset, the biomethane produced on site can even be used to fuel natural gas-powered tractors and commercial vehicles such as lorries and trucks, while the surplus of both electricity and biogas can be fed into the national grid. FPT Industrial’s partner in this project is Bennamann Ltd., a fast-growing British agricultural technology company in the field of clean energy, specialized in the supply and production of ‘better than zero carbon’ biomethane sourced from fugitive emissions of decomposing organic wastes, including farm manure slurry.
The first Smart Hybrid Hub genset prototype is currently undergoing a series of tests and is being used in training sessions at Chynoweth Farm (Truro, Cornwall, UK), home of Bennamann’s on-farm research and testing center. All its working modes and functions – hybrid, full electric and battery charging – have been extensively tested with the F28 NG engine fueled by biomethane produced at the farm.
The F28 Natural Gas engine’s versatility extends well beyond power generation usage. It is actually the engine which powers a New Holland TK Methane Power crawler tractor prototype, currently working at the award-winning Fontanafredda winery to achieve the first zero-emission Barolo wine by 2025. FPT Industrial’s commitment to Natural Gas and sustainable agriculture is further demonstrated by the six-cylinder FPT N67 NG engine, with 180 hp and 740 Nm of torque, able to deliver the same performance and durability as its diesel equivalent. This engine powers the New Holland T6.180 Methane Power, the one and only mass production biomethane tractor on the market and named “Tractor of the Year” for 2022 in the Sustainable category, which was on display on the New Holland Agriculture brand booth during the World Biogas show.
