Electrifying field machines has long been a challenge because the energy density of batteries is far lower than that of diesel. The prevailing view had been that large batteries were required to secure long and heavy work shifts. However, this came with the risk of soil compaction and required transporting the vehicle to a loading station (or using battery swap systems, which meant disruption to the work).
The patented Fieldgofer Concept and the patent-pending Nonstop Battery Concept (NBC) are Swedish inventions that may revolutionize the way electric agricultural machinery is powered. NBC is an electric drive system for agricultural machines that handle loads such as fertilizer, grain, seed, or water. The concept is based on separated battery capacity, where the primary energy source is integrated into interchangeable load carriers (e.g., tanks or containers). NBC eliminates the need for time-consuming charging (or battery changing) stops in the field.
The autonomous Fieldgofer machine, equipped with NBC, exchanged an empty load carrier for a filled one at regular intervals. At these moments, it received fresh, fully charged energy in the batteries inside the new load carrier. The load carrier’s batteries powered the machine and simultaneously recharged the small stationary battery on the machine via a DC/DC converter. All in all, this meant no downtime for charging, maximizing field time and productivity.
The inventors are farmer Karola Reuterström, farmer Mattias Larsson, and researcher Per Frankelius.
The unique concept was showcased in the Nordic Innovation Pavilion (Hall 24, Booth F16) at AGRITECHNICA on November 14. For appointments or more information or images, please contact Per Frankelius at per.frankelius@liu.se or +46 (0)708 21 29 49.
