Challenges when replacing glycol with bio-sourced synthetic alkanes in forest machines
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | AVANTHERM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 362 615 |
| Project duration | June 2015 - October 2016 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The aim was to demonstrate better environmental friendliness and performance compared to existing heat exchange media on the market. The objective was to prove, in practice, the advantages of synthetic alkanes as heat exchange media for application within forestry concerning economy, thermodynamic efficiency, material compatibility and environmental properties. For forestry the long-term goal is to replace the propylene glycol as heat exchange media in forestry machines and trucks.
Expected results and effects
The project has proved that there are alternatives to heat exchange media used in forestry machines today that: 1. have equivalent heat and cool conducting effect in forest machines 2. have higher temperature span and less negative impact on efficiency (viscosity) especially in cold conditions. 3. Positive environmental effects with lower greenhouse gas emissions and non toxicity, same biodegradability as glycole and improved working conditions. 4. Cost reductions due to lower corrosion and wear problems, longer durability and lower costs for maintenance
Planned approach and implementation
The project included 5 work packages: 1. Project Coordination 2. Construction of a testrig for simulation of liquids in a heat exchange system 3 Motorlaboratory tests for forest machine motors 4. Tests in real environment for forest machines 5. Liquid modification with BTL producers The main focus of the project was to investigate what happens when you add an oil-based product in a former water based system. The main method was to develop our innovation with potential clients through tests in real environment.