DRIVES & CONTROLS
Andreas Evertz , CEO Flender Group
Siemens electric drive systems are ideally suited for all energy sources including traditional diesel , LNG , off-board trolley , hydrogen fuel cells and onboard energy storage in any topology .”
In addition to the many safety features inherent in Siemens electric drive system , Siemens drive systems all come with an “ autonomy ready ” interface for higher level autonomous control systems .
Flender powering up
IM spoke with Andreas Evertz , CEO Flender Group , about its strategy and offering to mining . He comments : " For some time now , Flender has been on the way to more independence within the Siemens Group , which today has led to complete autonomy . Flender offers a wide range of mechanical drive products for the mining industry . The product portfolio , which was offered on the market by both units Siemens and Flender , only overlapped in a few exceptions . In particular , Flender offers solutions for applications in stationary machines . The overlap between Flender and Siemens is in solutions for very high-power drives with more than 3,000 kW where mechanical drives with gearboxes are offered by Flender and gearless drive by Siemens ." He adds that Flender has solutions for almost all applications with a strong focus on mechanical drive solutions . " We are convinced that geared solutions have more advantages in terms of CAPEX , flexibility as well as OPEX in minerals and mining applications compared to direct drive solutions – regardless from which supplier ."
Several Dana senior executives brought Paul Moore up to date on its technologies for the present and future of electric powertrains in mining
Q How are you already serving mine electrification needs now ? A Over the past five years , Dana has invested over $ 300 million in electrification technologies to accelerate a ‘ Powering into e-Drive ’ strategy centered around driving customer centricity , expanding global markets , delivering innovative solutions , and leading electric propulsion . The recent acquisitions of Nordresa and Rational Motion enhance Dana ’ s electrification capabilities to now include battery management systems , electric powertrain controls , and complete electric vehicle integration capabilities , building on its ability to produce all of the core components of complete , fully integrated e-Drive systems : electrified drivetrain components ; motor , power inverter , and controls components ; thermal management components ; and fully integrated e-Drive systems .
With a complete offering of mechanical and electrodynamic products combined with software and integration services , Dana is the only provider in the mining segment to fully support OEMs in designing , delivering , and launching the electric and hybrid mining vehicles of the future .
Since 2018 , Dana has offered a comprehensive portfolio of Dana TM4 ® motor systems combined with Spicer Electrified™ fully integrated , electro-mechanical systems for heavy-duty mining and construction applications . “ We are truly serving electrification needs , offering products that deliver a compelling combination of compact design and heavyduty power ,” said Marcus King , Vice President of Global Sales , Strategy and Program Management for Dana Off-Highway Drive and Motion Systems . “ To date , we have over 100,000 hours of underground mining operation on our electrodynamic product lines . We have supplied everything from small 4 t load haul dumpers , drill rigs , and bolters to 42 t mining trucks using our portfolio of Dana TM4 ® Sumo LD and HD systems .”
Q What is next in your line-up to support mines transitioning to electric ?
A In 2022 , Dana plans to develop a new patented e-powershift transmission designed to support the transition to electric vehicles for underground mining , construction , and material handling markets where the central drive brings application benefits like for loaders . Building on Dana ’ s leadership in developing
In 2022 , Dana plans to develop a new patented e- powershift transmission designed to support the transition to electric vehicles for underground mining
powershift transmissions in the underground mining segment for over 50 years , the new Spicer ® eSP502 e-Powershift Transmission incorporates a novel dual drive twomotor solution allowing for maximum efficiency throughout the entire duty cycle of the application . “ As the market for mining , construction , and material handling vehicles moves toward electrification , OEMs are challenged to meet a mix of needs . The new Spicer ® eSP502 offers an innovative and robust solution that delivers the performance requirements of heavy-duty , high-power applications ,” said King . “ A modular construction and a narrow profile also empowers OEMs to incorporate electrification drive technologies within the frame rails of their current vehicle design envelopes .”
The eSP502 comes with next generation control software , including hill-hold and functional safety readiness . Patented synchronising technology eliminates drag and maximises efficiency , with the dual motor design allowing for more cost-effective motor solutions . With 4WD disconnect and a power take off offering , the eSP502 offers an e-powershift
solution with the flexibility to support both the drive and motion system
delivered by a traditional Dana transmission .
It is also worth mentioning the Spicer Electrified™ with TM4 ® e-Hub Drive , which is a fully integrated , electro-mechanical system for heavy-duty mining and
72 International Mining | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2020