BATTERY AND ELECTRIC MACHINES
chain with second-source strategies , fast system integration and reliability thanks to broad-based experience , it added .
QME says it is the only Irish company who can offer this new electrified version of the Toyota HJ79 Landcruiser , which has successfully completed trials , with the first of the new generation EV machines already available to order .
Xerotech on a mission
Xerotech , also an Ireland-based innovator , recently announced plans to hire over 100 new employees to meet the growing demand for its configurable battery pack technology .
The new roles coming on stream include various technical and support roles , including engineering , production , sales and marketing , research and development , quality assurance , machine build and design , supply chain and testing , and will see all positions filled before the end of next year .
Xerotech has a proven track record of delivering high-performance battery solutions for a wide range of applications , including mining and construction equipment , with the medium and light underground mining vehicles being just one example . These solutions leverage the company ’ s Hibernium ® battery pack technology platform .
“ We are excited to be expanding our team as we continue to develop new and innovative solutions for our customers ,” Dr Barry Flannery , CEO of Xerotech ( pictured ), said . “ Our battery systems are helping to drive the transition to a cleaner , more sustainable future , and we are looking for talented and passionate individuals to join us in this mission .
Hybrid loco consists to zero emission trains
Wabtec Corporation , with its FLXdrive batteryelectric technology , is continuing to make inroads in Western Australia .
As announced in September 2021 , Roy Hill secured a 7 MWh FLXdrive battery-electric locomotive from Wabtec . In addition , in 2022 , Rio Tinto and BHP further committed to FLXdrive orders .
The US-based company is expected to deliver two 7 MWh FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to BHP and four FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to Rio ’ s Pilbara rail network . FLXdrives will operate in diesel and batteryelectric hybrid locomotive consists in Pilbara operations also equipped with FLXOptimizer , Wabtec ’ s advanced train energy management system . Wabtec says FLXOptimizer is built upon its successful Trip Optimizer energy management system for hybrid and all-battery-electric locomotive consists .
In continuing its zero-emission portfolio , Wabtec will deliver zero-emission FLXdrive switcher ( shunter ) units to North American Class- 1 railroads , commencing in 2025 .
According to Rogerio Mendonca , President of Freight Equipment at Wabtec , the Pilbara iron ore
operations are an excellent proving ground for FLXdrive battery locomotive technology in that these companies have enclosed rail networks , which enables easy integration of the FLXdrive into their operations . The iron ore operations are both demanding and complex . He added : “ The
Wabtec is expected to deliver two 7 MWh FLXdrive battery electric locomotives to BHP and four FLXdrive battery-electric locomotives to Rio ’ s Pilbara rail network as announced in January 2022
hilly terrain features of the Pilbara allows the FLXdrive to recharge the battery through regenerative braking along the route . This enables the mining companies to maximise the battery power throughout the trip – reducing both emissions and fuel consumption .”
The FLXdrive switcher units in North America will deliver a zero-emission and low noise solution to rail yards that are frequently located in populated areas , Wabtec says . These locomotives will contribute to a cleaner , quieter environment for workers and residents .
Regions with rich mineral deposits but similar landscapes and environmental conditions as the Pilbara – such as parts of Africa and South America – are “ good candidates ” for haulage and transportation decarbonisation , according to Mendonca .
Mendonca sees this battery-electric technology eventually being applied to other haulage vehicles , but , given the current energy density of batteries , hybrid solutions such as those coming to the Pilbara would remain a potential short-term decarbonisation option . Wabtec is also actively working with the Pilbara mining companies to devise solutions towards zero emissions trains .
What about the potential to go from a hybrid consist to a fully decarbonised rail operation ?
Mendonca answered : “ The rail industry is on the cusp of technological advancements required to power locomotive fleets with alternative green energy sources , such as batteries , moving charging capabilities and , eventually , hydrogen fuel cells . The FLXdrive battery locomotive is a major step toward decarbonising the rail networks . “ It is a journey that has started and will lead the industry to realise the benefits as battery and hydrogen technologies and fleets mature and grow .” IM
48 International Mining | MAY 2023