(Osnabrück) – In a joint project, the Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences (HSO) and the mechanical engineering company Kalverkamp from Rieste in Lower Saxony want to develop a concept for an agricultural vehicle powered by green hydrogen. A prototype of the vehicle called “NeXaT” already exists. “This is a completely new and different vehicle concept that we designed from the outset for the use of hydrogen,” explains Managing Director Klemens Kalverkamp.
It moves across the arable land on narrow field paths on four individually controllable tape drives, similar to an indoor crane. With the “Wide Span Concept” it covers a width of up to 18 meters. So far, however, this hybrid-electric vehicle has been powered by diesel.
The aim of the project called “NeXaT2H2” is to “develop and integrate a hydrogen drive for the vehicle,” says Hans-Jürgen Pfisterer from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences. To do this, the research team relies on Pfisterer’s preliminary work. “In 2020, we succeeded for the first time in simulating electric drive systems in real time with a very high level of model accuracy,” explains the Professor of Electric Drives and Fundamentals. “This enables us to optimize the entire system as well as each individual component. We can link the virtual and real worlds in the test laboratory because simulation and testing can be carried out synchronously.” 
The fuel cell system, power electronics, electrical machines as well as measurement, control and regulation systems are represented on a “digital twin”. This makes it possible to design and optimize the electric drive system.
Lower Saxony's Environment Minister Olaf Lies handed over funding notices totaling more than 3,6 million euros to those involved in the project. “In addition to electricity from wind and photovoltaics, clean hydrogen will become fuel for the energy transition and climate protection,” said the SPD politician. Future-oriented solutions developed in agriculture could serve as role models for other regions.
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Photo above
Handover of the funding decision (from left to right): University President Andreas Bertram, District Administrator Anna Kebschull, Hans-Jürgen Pfisterer from Osnabrück University of Applied Sciences, Bernd Lehmann, Vice President for Research, Transfer and Young Talent Promotion, Klemens Kalverkamp, Managing Director of the Kalverkamp mechanical engineering company, Olaf Lies, Lower Saxony Minister for the environment, energy, construction and climate protection / © HSO
Photo middle
The diesel “NeXaT” is to be developed into the hydrogen “NeXaTH2” © HSO
