SIEMENS has introduced an AC drive system for heavy haul trucks, suited for payloads of 260 tonnes and larger.
According to the company, the electrical drive system has reduced environmental impact, better fuel economy and improved operating costs.
The drive system will power the new Komatsu 860E-1K truck, as well as a number of other future development projects.
According to the companies, the prototype systems were tested in the harsh mining environments of Arizona and South Africa. They are now ramping up production so they can go to market in 2009.
The 860E-1K electric drive rigid frame dump truck’s engine has been designed to be Tier 2 certified for emissions reduction. The developers claim a factory installed trolley-capable system option will allow mining operations to save fuel and prolong the life of the motor.
The trolley system can be used on either 1600 or 1800V lines, allowing the trucks to propel uphill faster while the engine lowers its speed to save fuel.
Siemens claims its drive system is designed for the mining industry, so it can withstand high vibration and altitude spectrum, while operating in temperatures from negative 40 to 60 degrees Celsius.
The system is also liquid-cooled, and does not have brushes or commutators, reducing maintenance and wear out.