When an innovative start-up and a 100 year-old company find common ground to develop a partnership focused on research and development in the renewable energy sector, the results can be mindblowing.
That is exactly what happened with the research, development, engineering and manufacturing division of Bennamann, a fast-growing UK-based clean energy technology company, and Mattei Group.
The two companies are working together to develop Biomethane production facilities in Cornwall.
The innovation developed by Bennamann exploits the natural process of gas production from biomass (such as animal manure or organic matter widely available in agricultural applications) and, through a series of specially developed technology, is able to capture, process and make available clean fuel from a renewable energy source.
By capturing fugitive methane that would have otherwise been released into the atmosphere, the British company proposes two different business models, both sustainable and environmentally friendly.
The first involves consuming the biomethane directly at the farm at which it is produced. For this, Bennamann has developed technology that allows captured fugitive biomethane to replace fossil fuels across a wide range of applications, including powering agricultural vehicles and electricity generators.
The second involves reselling any excess biomethane produced to the market.
"The collaboration began in 2016 and is still in progress," explains Mattei's Engineer and Innovation Manager, Ida Costanzo, "Our gas compressors are being used in two distinct phases in the Bennamann project. The first compressor, EGi 7L, is specially designed for these systems and is used in the first stage of gas compression. It is, of course, a vane compressor with the necessary certifications for explosive atmospheres ATEX and PED for the pressure exerted. It integrates perfectly in the biogas upgrading system; it is controlled by the general plant system and networked with the various active sensors. The EGi 7L compressor also provides all the advantages of a Mattei compressor in the gas segment such as high energy efficiency, excellent filtration and extended service life.
The second Mattei compressor is used on board the first ever liquid biomethane powered New Holland tractor designed by Bennamann and CNH Industrial.
"The tractor with this power supply was presented and validated in July 2022," continues Costanzo, "on board is the Mattei XT-65 compressor, designed for road transport vehicles. Thanks to its low weight, compact size, quiet operation and application flexibility even in small spaces, it is the perfect solution for onboard applications. Again, a high degree of customization was required, starting with the choice of motor type and seamless integration with the entire operating system."
The partnership between the two companies has already produced excellent solutions born out of a collaboration developed directly "in the field”. “The Cornish countryside has become very familiar to us," says Costanzo. "Beyond simulations and calculations in the laboratory, working on-site with the Bennamann team has been crucial. The project, which has great potential, also in light of the positive impact on the environment through the containment of the CO2 produced and the development of renewable energy sources, is continuing and will bring further positive results."
From Vane Magazine 23, October 2023
