Heavy Equipment
Volvo’s Plan to Turn Excavators Into Cost-Saving Machines
New excavator system promises to cut energy losses.
Volvo Construction Equipment (CE) has developed a ground-breaking system that seeks to radically cut energy losses while improving fuel efficiency for its range of excavators.
The electro-hydraulic system, which is on trial in the field, is part of Volvo’s e-mobility program to increase fuel efficiency and attain its goal of net-zero emissions operations.
To cut energy losses in hydraulics, all of the excavator work functions are connected to energy storage through a common pressure rail made up of two or more pressure lines.
The hydraulic energy storage, which is made up of hydraulic accumulators, aids in energy-efficiency recovery of kinetic energy and peak power supply.
For the excavator’s cylinder-driven functions, ‘smart actuators’ are used to realise energy-efficient conversion from hydraulic power to variable force and speed.
Energy recovery
Variable hydraulic machines have been introduced to allow energy recovery while improving the performance of the excavator’s rotating loads such as the swing function.
RELATED: Volvo Sells 1m Toys During Worst Months of Pandemic
Volvo says its team from Sweden and South Korea worked with Finnish hydraulic cylinders maker Norrhydro in the research project, leveraging an idea born out of academic alliances.
“This innovation enables Volvo CE to offer its customers a truly unique electro-hydraulic solution, pushing fuel efficiency to new levels, says Lars Stenqvist, CTO of Volvo Group.
“It’s demonstrating the passion of our engineers to bring forward customer-oriented solutions that will drive the transformation towards net-zero emissions operations.”
Carbon footprint
Kim Heybroek, Volvo CE Emerging Technologies Research Engineer, said the electro-hydraulic system will help customers cut costs while reducing their carbon footprint.
“The potential in the innovation has been a strong driver for us in the project as we see the significant benefits it will offer for our customers,” Kim said.
Due to the significant reduction of energy losses and the power input from hydraulic accumulators, a small power source can be used on an excavator.
Besides, the need for cooling is greatly reduced.
And where the bigger power source is available, cycle times can be shortened – for instance when loading a truck. This boosts efficiency while lowering operational costs for the client.
JCB Unveils Disruptive Excavator, AI Safety Tool
The 145XR has a 27% shorter tail swing than old models and a full-sized cab.
JCB 370X Excavator Redefines Heavy-Duty Performance
The JCB 370X is designed for heavy-duty digging, breaking, and other duties.
Strabag Pilots the World’s First Hydrogen Wheel Loader
Strabag is Liebherr's first customer to test the L 566 H hydrogen wheel loader.
Benson Ndeta Withdraws Sh28bn Bamburi Takeover Bid
Amsons Group offered Sh23.6bn to acquire 100% of Bamburi shares.
KenGen Seeks Sh590bn to Add 1,500MW to National Grid
The company has secured financial backing for a 300MW geothermal project.
Turkish Firm Begins $3bn Uganda Railway Project
Yapı Merkezi is expected to complete the 272-kilometre railway in 48 months.