Anagrafe della ricerca

Air pollution is a major concern as many respiratory and cardiovascular diseases and even premature deaths are associated with exposure to high pollutant levels. Agricultural machinery is a significant contributor to NOx, CO, HC and PM emissions, due to diesel engines. Electrification of vehicles offers an efficient way to reduce CO2 and pollutant emissions also in the agricultural sector, but it faces challenges such as limited range, inadequate charging infrastructure, and battery technology issues, which are major drawbacks for customers. LIFE LAERTHES aims to develop and demonstrate two models of full-hybrid tomato harvesters, powered by a hybrid system consisting of a 125-kW diesel engine alongside a 30-kW electric motor. These will be the world's first hybrid tomato harvesters and the first ready for market agricultural machines with hybrid powertrains exceeding 130 kW. The first model, Super-G ECO, will be a full-hybrid industrial tomato harvester, equipped with traditional hydraulic gears and tools and will be tested in Spain. The second model, Super-G ECO+, to be tested in Sicily, will be designed for cherry tomato harvesting and will be equipped with electrically powered gears and tools, to maximize the efficiency and the potential of the hybrid powertrain. The proposed solutions will lead to 24% diesel fuel savings, reducing pollutant emissions beyond the legal requirements of the EU NRMM directive. Each LIFE LAERTHES harvester will save at least 32.9 kg/y of CO, 1.8 kg/y of HC, 3.8 kg/y of NOx, 0.14 kg/y of PM, and 7 t/y of CO2. Lower ground-level emissions, together with the 100% substitution of synthetic lubricants by bio-lubricants, will result in LIFE LAERTHES contributing to improve soil and food quality. Moreover, LIFE LAERTHES will improve health and safety of harvester workers, reducing noise levels of the machine for 33% of their working time. After the end of LIFE LAERTHES, both harvester models will be available on the market.