26.05.2008
Linde Material Handling presents mild hybrid truck
The launch of the hybrid truck will be Linde Material Handling's first step towards introducing innovative drive concepts.
The concept vehicle that will be presented at CeMAT 2008 in Hanover, is based on a diesel truck from the 39x series and can lift loads of up to 3.5 tonnes. In addition to an internal combustion engine, the truck has an electric motor that can operate as a starter and generator (Generator Electric Motor Starter (GES) System). By combining combustion and electrical technologies, consumption can be reduced by up to 25 percent depending on how it is being used. A further advantage is that emissions are significantly reduced and performance potential is increased.
In the selected mild hybrid solution from Linde Material Handling, the internal combustion engine continues to form the basis of the drive train. Additional energy capacity is gained from the synchronous motor, a 400 Volt lithium ion battery and an energy management system in the truck. To save fuel, the internal combustion engine automatically switches itself off when the truck has come to a standstill; when continuing to drive the engine automatically switches back on (Automatic Start & Stop). As the trucks can be idling for up to 30 percent of their operation time, the energy savings are very noticeable.
The energy recovery system works according to the same principle— braking energy is turned into electric energy and stored in the battery. The "boosting" disguises that the combustion engine is actively reinforced by the GES system, which is used in particular when the truck requires a large amount of power such as when accelerating or when lifting a nominal load from a standing start.
The internal combustion engine is a 30 kW strong SDI motor manufactured by Volkswagen Industrial Engines. The unit has an engine speed of 190 RPM with a maximum torque of 120 Nm. The supporting electric motor has a 13.2 kW power rating (at 2100 RPM) and has a maximum torque of 200 Nm.
The requirements for a hybrid drive in a truck are very favourable, explains Udo Herrmann, Head of Pre-development. This is because in contrast to cars, trucks operate in a very dynamic way often braking and then continuing to drive, which makes an energy recovery system worthwhile. In addition, high power levels are only required briefly, when the truck initially accelerates and when lifting a nominal load. As the electric motor has a high torque when idling, it makes sense for it to supplement the internal combustion engine. At the same time, the combustion power machine can be smaller thanks to the supporting electric motor. A further advantage of the hybrid drive is that when operating the truck the idling times can be very high (up to 30 percent), which is similar to those of an automatic start/stop system.
The hybrid drive concept therefore contributes to all three goals of the Linde PureMotion management strategy. The individual benefits from a work environment with fewer emissions and the environment benefits from a sustainable reduction in carbon dioxide and a more economical use of energy. For the operators, the hybrid truck offers clearly improved energy efficiency at a lower cost and with additional performance.
