The engineering department at AGCO Beauvais is heading up a new consortium called ARHYSTOTE, which will develop smart hydrogen storage tanks for 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.
The consortium of French companies, AGCO, Cetim, IPC, IFTH, Raigi and OliKrom, will invest in hydrogen storage and develop high-pressure tanks for use in agricultural tractors and other off-road applications.
It will include eight steps, including analysis, manufacture and testing of the design to prove feasibility and a route to industrialisation. To complete this work, it has secured 4,4 million € funding from 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 a highly capable AGCO Power engine” adds Frédéric.
“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.”