Electric self-propelled Strautmann model
With its fully electrically driven fodder mixing wagon, Strautmann is presenting an absolute world novelty
On the occasion of this year's Eurotier 2022, Strautmann is presenting a self-propelled fodder mixing wagon with electric drive. The battery-electric drive of the self-propelled fodder mixing wagons e-Sherpa and ePrimus 400 reduces emissions (e.g. noise, exhaust gases) to a minimum. At the same time, it enables the farmer to efficiently use available self-energy (photovoltaics, biogas), thus helping to effectively reduce energy costs and to further contribute to sustainable agriculture. Both assemblies are equipped with a vertical mixing auger as standard and are intended with a usable mixing capacity of 11-16.5 m³, depending on the model
Compared to conventional concepts, the battery-electric self-propelled fodder mixing wagon excels by a decentralised drive concept, thus increasing the performance and system efficiency of the entire system. In terms of functionality, there is no restriction compared to the diesel-hydraulic version of this machine. The system is equipped with a modular, liquid-cooled high-voltage battery with an innovative battery management system. Three of the four electric motors are used to electrify power-intensive consumers – mixer drive, traction drive and milling drive. The auxiliary consumers continue to be supplied electro-hydraulically (e.g. steering, actuation of the discharge units). Demand- and power-controlled actuation of these consumers contributes to a higher overall efficiency. One battery charge enables the pickingup, mixing and discharge of up to 16 t of TMR. Converted, that is 3 to 4 mixtures for a total of up to 300 lactating dairy cows. In order to be able to use the often existing charging infrastructure, the machine is equipped with both an on-board charger and a CCS2-compliant fast charging system. A Strautmann "Sherpa 140" was converted for the first functional model.
Thanks to the innovative battery management system and provided that the PV system consumes own electricity, the battery can e.g. be charged about noon, when the largest amount of electricity is produced. Bi-directional charging allows the battery to be used as an energy storage device to release the stored electricity in the evening or at night, to operate e.g. milking robots or milk cooling systems when no solar power is generated. Energy can be taken from the energy storage device until the remaining capacity of the battery is sufficient to carry out the planned feeding the next day. This offers the possibility of using the machine as an additional energy storage device in order to increase the proportion of inhouse energy used. Thus, the electrically driven self-propelled model becomes a reliable helper and partner in daily use on the farm, even for small family-owned business. Regular maintenance and service work is reduced to a minimum, as the complete engine unit including all currently valid exhaust aftertreatment components can be discontinued without replacement.
Electric self-propelled Strautmann model
Due to the electric drive, there are no machine emissions whatsoever (exhaust gases, noise). From an animal welfare point of view, but also from an occupational safety point of view, this is a point that should not be neglected. After an extensive test phase for the eSherpa and the ePrimus prototypes in 2023, the start of series production is planned for 2024.