Agriculture is one of the most critical sectors of the global economy, providing food and wood for billions of people. However, it is also one of the most energy-intensive sectors, accounting for about 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions. To reduce the environmental impact and improve the efficiency of agricultural operations, many equipment manufacturers are considering electrification of their equipment. This article explains the role of battery systems in the electrification of agricultural equipment.
Battery Solutions Enabling Sustainable Agricultural Electrification
Electrification of agricultural equipment can offer several benefits, such as lower fuel costs, lower maintenance costs, lower noise levels, and lower emissions. However, it also poses some challenges, such as limited onboard battery capacity, high power demand, and harsh operating conditions. To overcome these challenges, agricultural equipment manufacturers need reliable and sustainable battery solutions that meet their specific requirements.
Celltech is a global manufacturer of industrial battery solutions with over 40 years of experience in providing customised solutions for various applications. Celltech specialises in sustainable electrification, offering battery solutions that have lower total cost of ownership, reduced environmental impact, and faster time to market.
Celltech’s Battery Platforms for Agricultural Machinery
Celltech has developed three battery platforms that can be used as a fast track to fully customised battery systems for agricultural machinery: Beetle, Turtle, and Rhino.
Beetle is a battery platform for small machinery that can be fully electrified, such as drones, AGVs, robots, as well as mild hybrids. Beetle offers high energy density, high power density, and long cycle life. Beetle can be configured in various shapes and sizes to fit the available space and weight constraints of the machinery.
Turtle is a durable battery platform for small to medium-sized machinery that can be fully or partially electrified or hybridised, such as mini tractors, excavators, and loaders. Turtle offers high power density, high charge and discharge rates, and excellent performance in extreme temperatures. Turtle can be used as a buffering battery for serial hybrid powertrains or as an opportunity charging battery for applications where frequent charging is possible, such as livestock feeding.
Rhino is a battery platform for heavy-duty machinery that requires high power and reliability, such as cranes, forklifts, and harvesting equipment. Rhino offers high power density, high charge and discharge rates, and excellent durability. Rhino can be used as an auxiliary battery for parallel hybrid powertrains or as a backup battery for fuel cell hybrid powertrains.
Each platform provides a thoroughly tested foundation as well as cost savings for developing a battery solution tailored to the application’s specific requirements. Celltech guarantees a fully customised solution with no compromises in safety.
Battery Systems for Serial Hybrid Solutions
Future serial hybrid solutions use Internal Combustion engines with renewable fuels like biodiesel, Methanol, Ethanol or HVO. Hybrid solutions can also use hydrogen fuel cells or hydrogen engines to generate electricity for electric motors, but they need batteries to buffer the power fluctuations and store excess energy. LTO is ideal battery chemistry for this purpose because it has high power density, fast charge and discharge rates, long cycle life, and excellent low-temperature performance. At Celltech, we provide customised LTO battery solutions for serial hybrid solutions, improving the system’s performance, efficiency, and durability.
Celltech Lifecycle Model
Our dedicated and highly trained support team provides installation, commissioning, maintenance, repair, and replacement services for our battery solutions. We do extensive testing such as Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and certification to verify the operation and ensure compliance with specifications and other requirements of our battery solutions before delivery.
We also follow the Celltech Lifecycle Model, which looks at the total cost of ownership of the solutions and prolongs the lifetime of the battery systems. The Celltech Lifecycle Model focuses on sustainability throughout the value chain, from design to recycling. The model provides transparency and flexibility for our customers and ensures the safety of use both for our customers operating with the solutions and the end users.
Conclusion
Agricultural electrification is a promising trend that can contribute to a more sustainable and efficient agriculture industry. However, it also requires careful planning, design, testing, and integration of various components and systems. Celltech can provide comprehensive battery solutions that can meet the challenges and opportunities of agricultural electrification.
At Celltech, we’re not just a provider – we’re your partner in sustainable electrification. Whether you need battery solutions for small drones or heavy cranes, we have the expertise, resources, and industry experience to deliver them. Contact us today to find out how we can help you electrify your agricultural equipment.