Fuelling the Future: Atlas Project's Sustainable Agriculture Revolution
03.10.2023
Introduction:
In the quest for a sustainable future, agriculture stands at the forefront of innovation. The Atlas Project, a groundbreaking initiative fuelled by the Advanced Propulsion Centre's APC21 round, is leading the charge in revolutionising agriculture through cutting-edge propulsion technology. This blog explores the transformative journey of the Atlas Project and its mission to propel farming into a sustainable and eco-friendly era.
Powering Progress with Propulsion Technology:
At the heart of the Atlas Project lies a visionary approach to vehicle propulsion technology. Building on the success of a previous venture involving a 132kW tractor powered by compressed natural gas (CNG), the project now sets its sights on developing a larger, more powerful 199kW engine. The key to this leap in efficiency is a revolutionary high-energy-density fuel storage system utilising cryogenic liquid methane and innovative vaporization techniques.
ETL's Role in the Agricultural Revolution:
Integral to the success of the Atlas Project is ETL, a specialist in solid-state semiconductor thermoelectric generator units (TEGs). Their expertise extends to integrating these units into the tractor's exhaust system, enhancing overall energy efficiency. The collaboration aims to deliver a unique, optimised TEG energy recovery system that promises to redefine how energy is harnessed in agricultural machinery.
Delivering Sustainability: Project Goals and Deliverables:
The Atlas Project isn't just about technological innovation; it's a commitment to sustainable agriculture with clear goals and deliverables:
- Project Delivery Excellence: The primary goal is to successfully deliver the project to a high standard within the designated timeframe, setting new benchmarks for agricultural technology.
- Increasing Brand Awareness: Through the project's advancements, there is a concerted effort to increase awareness, positioning the Atlas Project as a symbol of sustainable agricultural progress.
- Establishing Industry Leadership: The project aspires to establish leadership in the industry by showcasing the effectiveness and practicality of the implemented technologies.
ETL's deliverables include the sales of the unique TEG energy recovery system, validation of TEGs in harsh off-road environments, comprehensive data from validation activities, improvement in production processes for secure supply, and the establishment of a robust UK supply chain through collaborations with companies like Kennametal.
The Impact Beyond Agriculture: ETL's Thermoelectric Devices:
While the Atlas Project's primary focus is on sustainable farming, the impact of ETL's thermoelectric devices extends beyond the fields. These devices have the potential for applications in various industries, from medical to oil and gas, presenting a versatile solution for high-temperature cooling and energy harvesting.
Conclusion:
As the Atlas Project unfolds its sustainable agriculture revolution, the integration of cutting-edge propulsion technology and thermoelectric innovation promises a brighter, greener future for farming. Fuelling the future isn't just about powering tractors; it's about cultivating a sustainable agricultural landscape that embraces innovation and environmental responsibility. Stay tuned as we witness the dawn of a new era in farming, where progress is powered by a commitment to sustainability and a vision for a brighter agricultural future.
European Thermodynamics
Here at European Thermodynamics Limited are working on projects that help the UK towards a net zero future: Hilux FC Project and ATLAS Project.
The Hilux FC project is part of a £73 million investment for green collaborative research and development which brings together a consortium of industry leaders in which we will assist in developing a hydrogen fuel-cell Hilux in the UK.
Additionally, we are supporting CNHI in the ATLAS project in which we will support with development, prototyping, and scaling of thermoelectric devices and systems for demonstration for the world's first liquid fugitive methane-powered tractor.
