MINING TRUCKS
power density plus liquid hydrogen storage and refuelling .”
He says while First Mode ’ s primary focus is on the Komatsu 930E and 830E platforms , its adaptable modular technology can enable rapid reengineering and production of retrofit solutions for electric-drive trucks of diverse brands and sizes and will be driven by customer demand and market sizing .
FLANDERS Freedom Drive System
Recognising the need for efficient and environmentally responsible haul trucks , FLANDERS has developed what it says is a gamechanging innovation : the FREEDOM Drive System .
With its exceptional flexibility and OEM independence , this ground-breaking technology is poised to transform the haul truck industry , according to the company .
The FREEDOM Drive System is a modular , retrofit drive system designed to enhance the capabilities of existing haul trucks , regardless of the OEM . It is equipped to receive power input from multiple sources , including combustion engines , batteries , hybrids , trolley systems and hydrogen fuel cells . This adaptability allows mining companies to choose the most suitable and eco-friendly power source for their specific operational needs .
The key strength of the FREEDOM Drive System lies in its modularity , FLANDERS says . The system ’ s patent-pending design enables easy retrofitting into any OEM chassis without requiring extensive modifications or replacements . As emissions reduction technology evolves and matures , this modular approach ensures companies can continuously upgrade and adapt their haul truck fleets to meet the latest environmental standards without investing in entirely new vehicles .
The modular nature of the drive cabinet is another standout feature , allowing the system to be tailored to meet each client ’ s specific needs to progress at their preferred pace while effectively reducing their carbon footprint .
“ This cost-effective solution allows businesses to retrofit their existing haul truck fleet with the FREEDOM Drive Cabinet , avoiding the hefty investment of acquiring brand-new vehicles ,” the company says . “ Furthermore , FLANDERS understands that solutions must be technically advanced and capable of withstanding the demanding conditions of mining operations . The FREEDOM Truck Drive System is designed to be miner-proof , ensuring its reliability and durability even in the harshest environments .”
In addition , the drive system also offers a complementary hybrid mechanical truck upgrade . This combines the drive system with a specially designed electric motor , with the upgrade introducing decarbonisation capabilities to mechanical haul trucks , enhancing their productivity while reducing emissions .
FLANDERS : “ The FLANDERS FREEDOM Drive System goes beyond a mere technical solution ; it represents a comprehensive and strategic approach to haul truck decarbonisation . By enabling carbon reduction without purchasing new trucks , ensuring the reliability of mining operations , and offering a modular , customisable journey to sustainability , FLANDERS delivers an elegant and future-proof system for mining and construction companies looking to build a greener and more efficient fleet .”
Wayne Chmiel , FLANDERS Chief Commercial Offer told The Electric Mine 2024 conference in Perth that the industry needs to take an adaptive and pragmatic NPV $/ ton approach to really see the true way forward and that is what it is offering . “ The FLANDERS agnostic solution is what we think is a very in the dirt , hands on , practical way to get us where we need to go , right now , together ... we have an agnostic solution that can go on different models from different OEMs , with common parts , common training , easier planning and easier for the workforce to deal with – they are already familiar with it so their troubleshooting is going to be simplified .” He pointed out that the agnostic OEM approach is different to the traditional OEM approach . Dealing with different models and control systems is part of FLANDERS ’ DNA as proven for example with its autonomous drilling business and application of the ARDVARC system . He says the FREEDOM Drive System is not only agnostic but also future proof . Plus “ there is no solution like keeping the old iron running for longer .”
U & M making progress on hybrid trucks
Brazil ’ s largest mining contractor is confident it can be scaling up a new battery-electric hybrid truck platform and retrofitting the country ’ s second biggest surface mine diesel vehicle fleet in the next two years , The Electric Mine 2024 heard , as reported for IM by InvestMETS ’ Richard Roberts at the event . “ We really want to get into a future where mining becomes safe , intelligent
FLANDERS Chief Commercial Officer Wayne Chmiel speaking at The Electric Mine 2024
and sustainable ,” U & M Mineração e Construção Project Coordinator Lucca Machado said at the event in Perth , Western Australia .
“ We see that our initiatives , along with other projects around the world , are going to help us get there . And hopefully sooner than later .” U & M has been working for about seven years on heavy vehicle automation and in 2020 it initiated a hybrid diesel-electric truck program focused , initially , on getting a suitable power-to-weight balance on a Komatsu 730 186 t truck using LFP lithium-ion battery cells made in China and hybrid platform system components developed with partners in Brazil .
The latter included Semikron Danfoss on the truck ’ s DC-to-DC converter ; transformer and reactor specialist AQ Trafotek ; and local electromobility hardware and software start-ups MVP e-solutions and EVPV Power .
U & M has two autonomous trucks running at a gold-mining client ’ s site in Brazil . Lucca Machado , part of the third generation of the Machado family that owns U & M , said the company was also “ trying to explore as much as possible the synergy ” between autonomous and hybrid-power vehicle systems . He said U & M was moving towards validation of its hybrid platform system at a client site by the end of 2024 .
“ We are hopeful that we can get in the next couple of months this [ test 730 ] truck running at our proving ground . After that focus will shift to stress-testing the truck at one of our mine sites in Brazil . That ’ s where we see whether the technology is working or not . That ’ s where we see the performance of the new components . Next year is where we really focus on system optimisation . And there is quite a bit to be done .”
Machado said downsizing the truck ’ s diesel engine – perhaps by as much as 50 % to circa- 1,000 horsepower – would be part of the project ’ s ongoing optimisation focus . As would exploring the impact and timing of different battery charging options , including regenerative braking , on the energy profile of a truck in a production cycle .
“ Our focus is to get that done at the beginning
38 International Mining | JULY 2024