Caterpillar unveils “groundbreaking” management system for electric mining equipment

American equipment manufacturing giant Caterpillar has unveiled what it is describing as a “groundbreaking” energy management system that can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they are working around a mine site.

The so-called Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) consists of a handful of integrated elements including a power module that converts energy from a mine site’s power source, an electrified rail system to transmit the energy, and a machine system to transfer the energy to the truck’s powertrain.

Capable of transferring energy to both diesel-electric and batter-electric mining vehicles, Cat DET can also charge a machine’s batteries while it is operating with increased speed on grade, helping to improve operational efficiency and machine uptime.

“We believe Cat DET provides a technological leap for the mining industry,” said Denise Johnson, Caterpillar’s Resource Industries group president.

“Our team of innovators designed this system to provide immediate benefit to miners who want to lower their operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions today while also creating flexibility for the future.

“We know customers need choices to fit their unique site objectives. We are proud to deliver an innovative, integrated solution that can support their needs of today and those of the future.”

Central to the Cat DET system is the electrified rail system which is said to be “highly deployable” and able to be customised to any site layout including high-speed and curved haul roads. The connecting arm can be installed on either side of a truck and on multiple truck models, ensuring the system can pair with customers’ existing operations.

Similarly, Caterpillar claims the DET system can also be used on mature or developing sites as well as be moved or expanded to allow maximum mine site coverage.

“We believe mine sites will benefit from enhanced efficiency with the integration of electrification and automation,” said Marc Cameron, Caterpillar senior vice president.

“When combined, these technologies will help miners achieve production targets while simultaneously managing energy demands.”