2300 HP Cummins - ELECTRIC Power

[hammersley]

Huge Loader in Western Austrailia... running as LeTourneau does on electricity... . Why don't we use a similar system instead of the antiquated transfer case... transmission... driveshafts... axles etc... .



YouTube - ‪letourneau l2350 o&k rh400 komatsu 575 worlds biggest machines‬‏



http://www.cumminspower.com.br/pdf/DQKC/60/QSK60.pdf

 

[rscurtis]

Electric drive is not as efficient as the antiquated system we use now. Every time energy is changed from one form to another, some is lost as heat. It is used in applications like this (and trains) because it's the easiest way to move heavy loads without a transmission and assorted hardware. The efficiency of rail transport ( 1HP per ton) is derived from steel wheels on steel rails, not the electric drive. Part of a locomotiv'e power is used to run cooling fans for the alternator, inverters (if equipped) and traction motors- a loss you don't have with conventional gear drive.

 

[BGlidewell]

But you can recover power and store it in batteries with electric retarding and or flywheels. I think the use of conventional brakes is such a drain on efficiency. It really needs to be addressed.

 

[Dieselnut59]

But you can recover power and store it in batteries with electric retarding and or flywheels. I think the use of conventional brakes is such a drain on efficiency. It really needs to be addressed.

Some late model electric forklifts work this way, with regenerative braking. They have regular brakes also, but you almost never have to use them, even when descending ramps. It is a nice system. My first power choice is still diesel for forklifts though!