How can one sustainably develop the often very heavy frame of large agricultural machinery and thereby significantly reduce the weight of the frame structure? The joint project “Agrilight” deals with this task, in which, in addition to Krone, M + D Composites Technology, Leibniz University of Hanover and the Technical University of Clausthal are also involved. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy with just under €1.8 million.
In the course of the “Agrilight” project, the very heavy frame structure including the adjacent functional units of a Krone forage harvester (Big X) is first analyzed and rebuilt in a function-integrating lightweight construction kit made of fiberglass and carbon fibre composites (GRP / CFRP) and comprehensively tested. The particular challenge here lies in the connection of the various new materials, some of which differ fundamentally in their mechanical, electrical and chemical material properties. At the same time, fibre composites require different manufacturing processes, but they also offer new shaping options, such as those known from aviation.
As soon as a first functional model of the new frame has been designed, it is subjected to extensive tests in special test benches that simulate real use. The test results obtained here can then be used to derive well-founded statements about the possible suitability of the lightweight frame for series production.
If the project partners succeed in making the frame significantly lighter using new composite materials and a new design, this would be a ground breaking step for the entire agricultural engineering sector: A lower overall weight of the machine would also result in a significant reduction in fuel consumption and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
German Agrilight project receives German state funding
