BATTERY POWER UNDERGROUND
torque depending on the condition of the roadbed in order to give just enough power and avoid tyre spin.
The charging system is very simple as the charger is integrated to the machine and a simple plug to the wall is required. The charging system doesn’ t need a big electrical installation as the power needed is about 7 kW( in comparison to the 45 kW needed for an electrical machine with cable). An optional version features a quick disconnect battery module in order to replace easily the batteries and run the machine full time.
This new miniLoader L140B is an optimised and advanced version of the L120B and can carry more capacity, 1.3 t. That is to say 20 % more productivity per shift with the same autonomy and energy consumption.“ We really trust this battery powered innovation and customers are already seduced by the L140B, as proven by our order book,” said Melkonian.
CAT power
The Underground Mining group within Caterpillar has a proof of concept battery electric LHD mucking at a mine site in Canada. The initial build and validation testing of this R1300G test unit began in early 2017 at the Caterpillar Peoria Proving Grounds.
The test machine is a proof of concept for packaging and performance of a lithium-based energy storage solution Caterpillar plans to bring to the LHD market. The Cat ® R1300G proof of concept does not represent a final design that will go to market. After testing, Caterpillar will launch a full-fledged new product introduction program that follows a more in-depth, rigorous design and validation process.
“ Our customers are planning for deeper mines with very high ambient rock temperatures where ventilation costs are pivotal to making the mine viable,” said Jay Armburger, Product Manager with responsibility for underground technology.“ One means of reducing ventilation demand is through electrification of the mining equipment.”
With over 250 patents in the electric drive and energy storage fields, and products like the D7E dozer, F-Series asphalt pavers, 794 AC and 795F AC large mining trucks, the recently introduced 988K XE wheel loader, and even microgrid technology, Caterpillar has fully integrated electric drive train technology and components to bring to underground machines.
The program started with a full production study and data analysis of the diesel machine in order to set a baseline. Once this was accomplished, the transformation of the R1300G to a battery electric proof of concept began. The modifications included removing the engine, transmission and torque converter then reconfiguring the engine end frame to
Jay Armburger, Product Manager Underground Technology Solutions for Caterpillar reports: " We are still very early in the underground testing of our R1300 proof of concept battery electric machine, but thus far- we are very pleased with its demonstrated performance. It ' s a testament to Caterpillar ' s deep expertise in machine applications, electric drive and energy storage systems. And I can ' t stress enough the importance of having fully engaged partners in this type of endeavour. With help from these partners, we had the machine disassembled and down the mine shaft within two working days. Once underground- the parts came together and the machine was fully outfitted with diagnostic equipment within three days. After completing all the necessary system check outs on the machine and charger, we managed to put the LHD to work just before the Christmas holiday- hitting its first muck pile on the 18th. This is a very exciting time in the program, and our on-site team of engineers will continue to put it through its paces for the next several weeks. We ' re also looking forward to getting the machine into the hands of experienced operators to obtain their feedback on the operational performance.”
accommodate the battery boxes and electric motors. The result is a battery electric powertrain driving a conventional and mechanical drivetrain( drive shafts and axles).
The R1300G proof of concept is an older machine without the benefit of efficient electrohydraulics. As a result, it will drive worst case scenario loads on the batteries. Of course the design of the new loader will enhance battery life through the use of load sensing hydraulics driven by piston pumps such as those on the new Cat R1700. The less refined proof of concept machine will yield solid understanding of heat generation and cooling needs, performance criteria, space claim and safety considerations in the day-to-day operation of the machine.
With the help of several customers who have visited the proof of concept and operated it at the proving grounds, Caterpillar is getting feedback to help drive the program forward. All of the customers who have visited the machine agree that pursuing a system that is rechargeable on the machine is the right path forward. Recharging on the machine prevents the mine from incurring additional infrastructure costs or from having to manage or store replaceable battery packs. Instead, Caterpillar is focusing on fast charging of the batteries on the machine such that an operator can take a quick break and come back to a charged machine. In addition to developing the LHD itself, the program has been prototyping a robust charging station. The technology behind the charging station is unique to Caterpillar and uses Cat components and technology.
As with all new product introductions, Caterpillar will listen to its customers and put new designs through their paces before releasing a machine. The chemistries and technologies behind battery development are evolving rapidly. Change is inevitable, and the development team will continue to evaluate these changing technologies to better serve mining customers.
“ We tried hard to break this machine and technology before sending it to Canada in September,” Armburger said.“ With the results we’ ve seen so far, we’ re confident this R1300G proof of concept is giving us the answers we need to develop a machine that is safe and lives up to the Cat brand promise of durability and reliability. In the end, Caterpillar is well positioned to develop an optimised machine— from power generation to tyre rotation.”
Atlas Copco’ s extensive line
Following the success of its Scooptram ST7 Battery, Atlas Copco( now Epiroc) hosted a customer event launching the new Boomer M2C Battery jumbo at its Lively location in Sudbury, Canada. The event " showcased exciting innovative battery technology that is poised to change the landscape of the mining industry moving forward. Attendees were given the opportunity to view our diesel-free equipment up close and learn the benefits of implementing this technology in future mining projects.”
With the addition of the battery drill rigs, Atlas Copco now offers a full underground mining portfolio that includes loaders, trucks, face drills,
22 International Mining | FEBRUARY 2018