What challenges does electrification pose to vehicle drive systems? North American Mining spoke to experts at drivetrain specialists, Dana Inc., and mining OEM, Liebherr Mining, to find out.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
By Jonathan Rowland<\/em><\/p>\n\n\nElectrification of mining excavators has a decades-long history but there is now a push to electrify mining trucks to reduce the environmental impact of operations. Pictured: a Liebherr R4000 E excavator and T 236 diesel electric truck. Photo: Liebherr<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
Electrification of mining vehicles is gathering momentum and represents a \u201csignificant shift in the industry,\u201d according to Richard Kraemer, Trolley\/Battery Sales Support Manager at Liebherr Mining. \u201cEven as diesel-electric trucks with an ICE-alternator combination and electric propulsion system, mining vehicles can run fully electric when operated under trolley, reducing fossil fuel consumption by up to 70%. The traditional ICE can also be completely removed and replaced with a battery pack and necessary auxiliaries that achieve the same power as before.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thus far, probably familiar. But let\u2019s step into the shop and take a look under the hood at the changes electrification requires of vehicle drive systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cDrive systems for electric vehicles (EVs) are very different from traditional ICE designs,\u201d began Brad Fowler, global segment lead for Mining at Dana Inc. \u201cWe see this transformation playing out in three key areas: opportunities for OEM innovation and differentiation; the reassessment of advanced technologies from nice-to-haves into need-to-haves; and changes in mine infrastructure.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to Fowler, electrification is providing OEMs \u201cthe space to rethink their approaches to machine propulsion and truly innovate.\u201d For example, the diverse range of drive system choices \u2013 including e-Hubs, e-Axles, e-Transmissions, and hybrid-electric designs \u2013 allow OEMs to select the one that best fits the duty cycle of any given application, whether they are electrifying current solutions or developing a new platform.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electric drive technologies are also \u201cforcing increased digitalization of the drive system,\u201d Fowler continued. \u201cHighly complex electric-powered propulsion systems depend on advanced vehicle intelligence to optimize performance, productivity, and reliability \u2013 especially as autonomous driving, predictive maintenance, and other capabilities are introduced.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Fowler\u2019s final point of transformation steps us back again to the wider fleet ecosystem. \u201cEVs aren\u2019t drop-in replacements for their ICE-powered predecessors,\u201d the Dana expert noted. \u201cChanges are needed to accommodate recharging and data analysis, among other factors. For example: OEMs are exploring how onsite power generation and distribution need to be integrated into total site solutions for mine operators.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Liebherr\u2019s Kraemer also picked up this point. \u201cElectrification requires skilled organization and infrastructure to support electric equipment, such as stationary and dynamic charging, as well as adequate power supply at the mine. Operations will go through a holistic change to implement the new technology, so buy-in from the mine site is critical to the success of the new technology.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\nElectric drive trains are significantly different to their \u2028ICE counterparts and offer new opportunities for innovation. \u2028Pictured: T 236 power train. Photo: Liebherr<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
Challenges of electrification for drivetrains and transmissions<\/strong> Electrification poses \u201cseveral challenges for drivetrains and transmissions in mining machines,\u201d continued Kraemer. \u201cFor example: the new systems must be developed to handle the high torque and power requirements associated with mining operations.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe greatest challenge is meeting \u2013 and even exceeding \u2013 mine operators\u2019 current productivity benchmarks to justify the investment required for electrified equipment,\u201d added Dana\u2019s Brad Fowler. \u201cTo accomplish this, it\u2019s important to evaluate the performance expectations of each vehicle, and then design a drive system that delivers. This assessment needs to account for numerous factors, including power needs, duty cycles, package size, weight, operating environments, run time, recharging strategies, maintenance, and owning and operating costs, to name a few.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For some mining vehicle OEMs this is an easier prospect than for others. Liebherr has offered an electric-drive excavator for more than four decades; the company also utilized diesel-electric drive mining trucks and hydrostatic drive dozers long before the current push to electrify, so \u201cthe transition has been easier for us than for mechanical drive machines,\u201d said Kraemer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Others are finding the complexity challenging to navigate, according to Fowler. \u201cWe\u2019re finding some OEMs are increasingly leaning on our expertise across a number of development disciplines to support them in the energy transition. As a result, we\u2019ve transformed into an active co-developer with many of our OEM customers by offering capabilities that include vehicle dynamics, mechanics and mechatronics, electronics, hydraulics, and software and controls.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A final challenge is the mine environment itself. \u201cThe requirements for drive systems operating in harsh and severe environments are significantly higher, and traditional electrification components developed for applications in other markets don\u2019t meet them,\u201d Fowler said. \u201cReliability, durability, and maintainability are supremely important, especially at remote mine sites where service and maintenance capabilities are often limited.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Current solutions: flexibility is key<\/strong> Turning the discussion to current and future solutions, both Fowler and Liebherr\u2019s Kraemer emphasized the importance of flexible solutions that can be tailored to an individual mine\u2019s operating conditions and business needs. This flexibility is at the heart of Dana\u2019s most recent e-Transmission development, the Spicer Electrified eSP502, and of Liebherr\u2019s aim to offer a complete zero-emission mining solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Dana\u2019s Spicer Electrified eSP502 e-Transmission<\/strong> Dana has been a \u201ctop-tier supplier to manufacturers of mining equipment for more than 60 years,\u201d said Fowler. \u201cWe offer a combination of advanced drive systems, engineering expertise, industry knowledge, global reach, and cross-pollination from Dana\u2019s light- and commercial-vehicle divisions.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company\u2019s drive solutions range from hybrid-electric transmissions \u2013 which can help OEMs transition smoothly from ICE powertrain designs \u2013 to fully electrified e-Transmissions, e-Axles, and e-Hub drives. The company\u2019s latest development is its Spicer Electrified eSP502 e-Transmission, which offers a flexible platform, designed to support the electrification of load haul dumpers and other applications across off-highway markets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Launched at bauma in 2022, the eSP502 comprises a \u201cdual-motor, two-speed design on a flexible platform that enables optimized performance at maximum efficiency in a compact package,\u201d Fowler explained. \u201cThe modular approach to transmission design also allows for a single motor solution, as well as an optional power offtake, depending on the specific vehicle requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Powered by Dana TM4 electric motors and inverters, the dual-motor version supports continuous power outputs up to 270 horsepower (200 kilowatts), while the single-motor configuration is engineered for 187 hp (140 kW) of continuous output. It also comes with \u201cnext-generation control software and functional safety readiness, enabling easy installation and smooth integration for the OEM, and it features optimized power transmission elements that minimize drag and maximize efficiency,\u201d added the Dana expert.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A focus on flexibility continued as Fowler looked to the future. There is \u201cno one-size-fits-all solution for electrification in mining,\u201d he said. \u201cWe expect drive solutions will be developed, brought to market, and adopted by customers at different rates. To facilitate this transition, we\u2019re continuously evaluating how we can support OEMs through continued innovation, while helping the make better business cases for equipment buyers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Liebherr zero-emission \u2028mining solution<\/strong> Customer needs lie \u201cat the center of Liebherr\u2019s product design,\u201d said Kraemer. \u201cDue to the characteristics of the mine, the haul profiles of mining machines and the available charging infrastructure will continue to be specific and unique for each mining application. Our mining machines are thus designed to be both modular and energy-type agnostic. Our battery EVs are also battery chemistry agnostic, allowing us to easily integrate the latest battery technologies into our equipment. Alternative battery chemistries are continually challenged, tested, and offered to reduce cost per tonne.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Combined with Liebherr\u2019s in-house core competencies and vertical integration of its mining products, this approach enables the company to \u201cidentify and realize the best solutions for open-pit mining machines with the right solution for every customer. Our ultimate goal is to provide a Liebherr zero-emission mining solution, thereby simplifying the transition process for our customers, while facilitating their progress to zero emission mining.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company has now achieved its target of offering low-carbon solutions for its full range of trucks and excavators through electrification of the drive systems. Its next objective is to \u201coffer fossil fuel-free solutions by 2030, allowing mines to achieve zero emissions with a focus on well to wheel,\u201d said Kraemer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Liebherr is \u201con the way\u201d to achieving this goal, thanks to a combination of technological advances, improved efficiency and durability, optimized performance, and a focus on sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective mining operations. \u201cWe\u2019re working to provide the necessary ecosystem in combination with battery-powered mining machines and the necessary dynamic and stationing charging solutions. We\u2019re also working on solutions for customers who do not have access to sustainable electricity and therefore developing in-house alternative fuel drives based on combustion engines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\nDana launched the Spicer Electrified eSP502 e-Transmission at bauma 2022. It offers a flexible platform designed to support the electrification of vehicles across the mining and other heavy off-road sectors. Photo: Dana Inc.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\nThe Spicer Electrified eSP502 e-Transmission\u2019s compact and modular design allows it to be adapted for use in a variety of vehicle types. Pictured: an underground loader with the Spicer Electrified eSP502 e-Transmission. Photo: Dana Inc. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Jargon busting<\/strong> e-Transmission: Transmissions with directly integrated electric motors. e-Transmissions centrally distribute motive power to the axles through traditional driveshafts. They minimize the impact on vehicle layout when electrifying by maintaining existing axle and driveshaft layouts, and can distribute the 100% of the tractive power to both axles, depending on ground conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e-Hub: Independent wheel final drives with integrated electric motors. e-Hubs place tractive power directly at the wheels, maximizing mechanical efficiency but drastically increasing control system complexity to manage energy distribution to each wheel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
e-Axle: Axles with electric motors, typically integrated into the differential housing. e-Axles distribute tractive power to the front and rear of the vehicle, allowing increased control of traction, with an intermediate increase in control complexity.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
What challenges does electrification pose to vehicle drive systems? North American Mining spoke to experts at drivetrain specialists, Dana Inc., and mining OEM, Liebherr Mining, to find out. By Jonathan Rowland Electrification of mining vehicles is gathering momentum and represents a \u201csignificant shift in the industry,\u201d according to Richard Kraemer, Trolley\/Battery Sales Support Manager at Liebherr Mining. \u201cEven as diesel-electric…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[4],"tags":[2788,757,571,2787,1820,1971,2786,2785],"coauthors":[1635],"class_list":["post-6977","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-features","tag-combustion-engines","tag-dana-inc","tag-digitalization","tag-hybrid-electric-transmissions","tag-liebherr-mining","tag-mining-vehicles","tag-oems","tag-power-transmission"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t
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