Even more news from the MINExpo show floor: Rolls-Royce has teamed with Flanders Electric to unveil a retrofit concept to hybridize haul trucks and reduce emissions by up to 30%.
The design integrates mtu engines, batteries and hybrid control systems alongside drive train solutions from Flanders.
The companies’ memorandum of understanding (MoU) announced during the show covers the development of the unit for wide range of mining applications via a scalable retrofitting kit.
“The mining truck hybrid concept recovers braking energy, using the mtu EnergyPack battery system … [with] energy … then fed back to power the wheel motors, allowing the diesel engine to be downsized,” Rolls-Royce said.
“The smaller engine reduces fuel consumption and C02 emissions by up to 30%, helping mining customers to achieve their emissions reduction targets, while optimizing their operations.”
The company said the hybrid concept also includes the DC/DC converters which interface the battery system with the DC link of the truck.
The modular system has the capability to be scaled and utilized anywhere in the world.
Mining, oil and gas business division vice president Scott Woodruff noted both companies will be leveraging their extensive experience of hybrid solutions that aim to save fuel and reduce the C02 footprint of mining trucks as well as optimizing vehicle power performance and efficiency, enabling more climate-friendly and safer mining operations.
“We are excited to shape the mining industry’s sustainable future together with Flanders and further leverage our advanced hybrid technologies, which are already proven in the rail industry. Together we will offer our customers integrated, future-oriented, hybrid solutions,” he said.
Added John Oliver, CEO and board chairman of Flanders: “Improving our customers’ operations, lowering their costs while enhancing their energy footprint, is a win for the mining industry and for the environment as a whole.”
Rolls-Royce said hybrid solutions are already part of the mtu portfolio; the mtu Hybrid PowerPack will soon enter rail service in the UK, and the drive solution and its mtu batteries – which can also be used on hybrid mining trucks – offer safety and high performance as well as reliability and maintenance friendliness.Source: Rolls-Royce