This method of converting the latent energy contained within fuel to useful work, has been refined almost beyond recognition from the simple patents and designs of the early 19th century.
Despite this early start, it was the steam engine which powered the industrial revolution. It was only when the burning of fuels moved into the cylinder that the convenience of mobile power became both apparent and readily available.
Oil reserves are far from infinite
Concerns over the future availability of oil are nothing new, neither are worries over pollution. The issues which face this well proven technology today are ever tighter emission standards and competition from electricity generated from energy sources other than fossil fuels.These are the two major challenges which have been recognised by the German Agricultural Society, the DLG.
The organisation is busy promoting its exhibition in Hanover next spring at which, a wide selection of engine manufacturers will have the opportunity to showcase their response.
A twofold challenge for diesel
Engineers designing future power plants have two main aims which are to increase efficiency while decreasing emissions. They are interconnected to a great extent, for extracting the greatest use out of the fuel will naturally decrease the emission of carbon per unit of work performed, along with all the other pollutants tagged as being harmful to the environment.The trouble with electricity
The general assumption is that electricity from renewables will replace oil as the primary power source, but the major problem associated with this plan is that it is difficult to conveniently store electricity for future use.Josef Horstmann, the retiring development director of Krone, stated that "batteries are not for us" when talking to Agriland recently. He also noted that diesels will still be around for at least "20 years".
The problem is one of energy density; carbon-based fuels are far more efficient at storing energy than batteries, although less so in releasing it for useful work.
A menu of power options
If battery power is still some way off, and there is little enthusiasm for it among the main tractor manufacturers, are there any alternatives to fossil fuels?
Methane
Methane, in the form of either natural gas or produced from organic material, is one such energy storage system that is attracting a great deal of attention. Case New Holland is already making a tractor which runs purely on methane which will go on sale later this year. Ignition is by spark rather than compression, despite it being based on a diesel engine block.Should the methane be produced by bio-digesters or recovered from farm waste, then it may referred to as biomethane, which can be considered a carbon neutral solution.
Should it come from the natural gas infrastructure, then it will be fossil fuel derived. Either way, the engines still require exhaust gas after treatment.Synthetic fuels
Creating carbon-based fuels from regenerative electricity (wind, solar power) and the carbon dioxide (CO2) already present in the air, is a science that is rapidly coming of age. Such fuels may be used as a direct drop-in replacement for the present fossil-based liquids. If produced by solar power, then they closely mimic natural energy management via photosynthesis.
Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas is the simplest and lightest molecule in nature. It happily combines with oxygen to form water and releases energy in doing so. The combination of the two elements may occur in a fuel cell, to produce electricity directly, or burnt in an engine. There are no carbon emissions involved with either technique, except a miniscule amount from lubricant consumption in the latter.
Deutz has already produced a prototype hydrogen engine as an alternative to fuel cell technology. It is a variant of its standard six-cylinder unit for agricultural machinery.
The company is also exploring its use in various hybrid configurations, especially its combination with electric drives. This ties in with the idea that driving implements by electric motors, rather than a mechanical PTO (power take-off), will become the preferred option in the future.Alternative fuels influencing engine design
The DLG concludes its review of the various fuel options by noting that "the diesel engine will remain the engine of choice in the technology mix for the foreseeable future, but it now has competition". Although ignition by compression may be facing an uncertain long-term future, the reciprocating internal combustion engine as a mechanism for releasing the latent energy in fuels, has still a long way to go before it fades from the scene altogether.
Fuel flexibility is crucial
In addition to increasing the power density "suppliers are paying great attention to the modularity of their engine systems", according to the DLG.This means that "components with flexible mounting positions enable different installation options and system integration in line with requirements".
Agriland has already reported that Kohler is one engine supplier that is fully committed to modular engine design and is now moving into the mainstream tractor market as a result. AGCO Power has also announced that its new factory in Finland will be producing a range of engines capable of burning a wide variety of fuels, although no further details have yet been given.
