THE Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is working with researchers at Federation University on a new agricultural emissions project.<\/p>\n
In collaboration with Foton Mobility, a distributor of hydrogen vehicles, the CSIRO and FedUni are investigating how tractor powertrain greenhouse emissions can be reduced by swapping out diesel power for hydrogen fuel cell electric technology.<\/p>\n
Federation University associate professor of hydrogen technologies Dr Surbhi Sharma said the agriculture industry is one of the country\u2019s biggest emitters.<\/p>\n
Hydrogen fuel cells produce water vapor instead of gases and allow for a constant electric current.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe fuel cell-electric hybrid technology we are researching at Federation University could provide real benefits to primary producers,\u201d Dr Sharma said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe significant advantage with the systems is that they use hydrogen and oxygen from the air to produce electricity and water; there are no emissions except water vapour.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis technology does not burn hydrogen, unlike what some people might think when they hear of hydrogen technology replacing diesel or petrol.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe farm equipment will also have a small battery similar to the current equipment, making it a fuel cell-electric hybrid. The interesting part is having no internal combustion engine.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a lot of interest in decarbonisation and tackling climate change, and this research is just one step in society\u2019s journey in transitioning to a net zero future.\u201d<\/p>\n
Researchers are going to work with a range of farmers to note data on their tractor use, and then test how parts may wear in different conditions with hydrogen fuel cell-electric technology.<\/p>\n
Dr Sharma said the need for battery charging of electric tractors can cause challenges for farmers who often work to tight timelines.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation is working with researchers at Federation University on a new agricultural emissions project. In collaboration with Foton Mobility, a distributor of hydrogen vehicles, the CSIRO and FedUni are investigating how tractor powertrain greenhouse emissions can be reduced by swapping out diesel power for hydrogen fuel cell electric technology. […]<\/p>\n