Heavy-duty engines analysis, study 4: a preliminary market analysis for gas-turbine applications in the farm market
This study was undertaken to analyze the opportunity for the gas turbine in the farm market and to determine if the market's requirements complement the development of the engine for other markets. The study determined that the major applications of gas turbines in the farm-equipment market are in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive diesel-powered tractors. An accurate assessment of potential market capture would require a more extensive study. However, the market for gas turbines lies at the heavier end of the spectrum (>140 hp), because this is the size of engine generally used on large farms. If a 4% penetration is assumed, there is a potential market of 2000 to 3000 units annually. The farm-equipment industry has historically preferred to manufacture its own engines as part of its business strategy (product differentiation). Also, a demonstration effort could reasonably be expected to add only a small number of units to annual production. In the 300-hp range (engines comparable to those used in urban buses and highway trucks), only a few (on the order of ten per year) would be expected. There is, however, an apportunity for larger quantities of lower-horsepower (e.g., 100-hp) engines because turbine engines for automobiles would be in the same size range. Informal interviews were held with management, marketing and engineering personnel from the farm-equipment industry. Their comments suggest thatthe development and demonstration of a reliable multifuel turbine combined with a reliable power train capable of meeting the load requirements of the farm tractor is a timely undertaking. Fuel-efficiency requirements are balanced by the need for multifuel capability and imposed environmental requirements.
- Research Organization:
- Argonne National Lab., IL (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-31-109-ENG-38
- OSTI ID:
- 5201179
- Report Number(s):
- ANL/CNSV-TM-81; ON: DE82001758
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
29 ENERGY PLANNING
POLICY AND ECONOMY
FARM EQUIPMENT
GAS TURBINE ENGINES
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
MARKET
EFFICIENCY
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
VEHICLES
ENGINES
EQUIPMENT
HEAT ENGINES
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
330103* - Internal Combustion Engines- Turbine
290200 - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology