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Joint project: Production and demonstration of the practicality of tractors with engines of emission level TIER 4 in operation with pure plant oil; Subproject 1: modification of TIER 4 Tractor engine
Project
Project code: 22024611
Contract period: 15.06.2012
- 31.12.2014
Budget: 50,389 Euro
Purpose of research: Applied research
The project 'PraxTrak' addressed the development of a fully functional and practical TIER 4/ EU stage 4 tractor, which can be fuelled with different pure vegetable oils, and its test and demonstration under real operation conditions.
Based on previous work, notably the results of the EU project 2ndVegOil, the development within PraxTrak aimed at lower fuel consumption, higher engine power when operated with PPO fuels, fuel-dependent engine control, extended lubricant drain intervals, longer particle filter (DPF) service life and DPF regeneration with vegetable oil fuel, the optimization of the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system, and improved handling of AdBlue.
The project addressed further engine emissions which are not yet limited by the TIER 4/ EU stage 4 emission standard, but which are (potentially) relevant with regard to their impact on the environment and climate, and which are investigated for that reason. Among these emissions are N2O (very high global warming potential so that even small emissions might have a significant impact), NH3, formaldehyde (CH2O), and acetaldehyde (C2H4O). Regarding particulate matter (PM) emissions, special attention will be paid on the particle size distribution.
The work plan comprised further an assessment of the impact on climate, environment, economy and the chances for rural development, as well as dissemination activities.
The project provided a field of application for cost-effective, renewable and nearly climate neutral fuels from different oil crops. These can be produced, jointly with oil cake that can serve as protein-rich animal fodder, by farms themselves and used in the farm’s own agricultural machinery in a sustainable closed substance cycle. This opens rural areas a new option for economic activities, and value and job creation.
The range of oils fuels was enlarged through the project. Among others, a step towards organic farming will be done by using the oil crop false flax (Camelina sativa). This crop can be grown in mixed-cropping with grain crops and peas without additional land use, thereby strongly reducing the need for plant protection and enhancing the total yield.
The considered fuels are non-toxic and not hazardous to water (previous German water hazard class 0), thus allowing storage and use in environmentally sensible areas without any problem. The developed product, a tractor that is fuelled with different vegetable oils, represents a significant innovation. It responds to an expected strong future demand and can be marketed worldwide.
Last but not least, the developed technology is not only relevant for John Deere and not only for agricultural equipment, but can be transferred to other off-road vehicles such as forestry, municipal or building machinery.
Section overview
Subjects
- Agricultural Engineering Plant Production
- Renewable Resources
Framework programme
Funding programme
Excutive institution
Funding institution
Project management agencies
Associated projects: Production and demonstration of the practicality of tractors with engines of emission level TIER 4 in operation with pure plant oil
- Joint project: Production and demonstration of the practicality of tractors with engines of emission level TIER 4 in operation with pure plant oil; Sub-project 2: Fuel analysis, stationary emission measurements and field tests
- Joint project: Production and demonstration of the practicality of tractors with engines of emission level TIER 4 in operation with pure plant oil; Sub-project 3: Investigations on the dynamic engine test bed
