FPT Industrial paves the way for farmers’ energy independence at The World Biogas Expo
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.
On stand D503, 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.
Speaking at the Expo, Bennamann’s Co-founder, Chairman and CTO Chris Mann said “We are
proud to be partnering with FPT Industrial to deliver our shared vision of energy independent
farming. The Smart Hybrid Hub completes the Bennamann Technology Chain enabling our endto-end solution from fugitive methane capture, through processing into vehicle grade
biomethane, and delivery of fuel, electricity and heat to the farm.” On receiving the ‘Highly
Commended’ for the AD Circular Solutions award at the show, Chris added “as the ‘new kids
on the block’, we were delighted to receive this recognition, which is underpinned by our strong
partnerships making scale-up of energy independent farming possible and so exciting, watch
this space!”
One of the many highlights of the concept hybrid multi-mode genset is its capability to meet
different customer needs with three main operating modes.
Boosting mode is dedicated to peak shaving with a high load response, with the engine working
at full steam and the battery pack stepping in to deliver the needed extra buffer.
Touring mode takes care of all-round durability, with the engine and battery pack alternating
operation in order to optimize efficiency and extend the whole system’s lifespan.
Full Electric Eco mode is designed with fuel economy in mind and its low-load autonomy can
be extended thanks to the modular battery packs. In comparison to standard gensets, the FPT Industrial Smart Hybrid Hub genset concept delivers a wider power range with a 30-40-60-80 kVA standard rating with just one generator, up to 20% lower fuel consumption, -22% engine displacement, and 2.5 times longer oil change intervals vs diesel constant speed gensets.
