Oerlikon Fairfield unveiled its patent-pending hybrid electric drivetrain technology last week at ConExpo/Con-Agg. The technology is a complete series electric driveline system from engine to wheel and features an innovative energy recovery system. It is the first of its type to be designed by a company specializing in drive solutions.
Major components of the system include an engine -driven generator to produce electrical power; an ultra-capacitor bank that recovers energy during operation; a custom software control unit; dual inverters that are integrated into the front and rear axles to provide simplified wiring packages; and four high power-density traction motor drives at each wheel end, allowing for higher motor speeds and good performance over a wide ground speed range.
"We believe there are real advantages to this type of hybrid technology in off-highway applications," said Dan Phebus, head of the business unit-Americas at Oerlikon Fairfield. "Not only will this system provide up to 30% fuel economy improvement, but depending on the application, other benefits such as electrically driven auxiliary drives and the ability to add engine start/stop technology may have more beneficial advantages.
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