Cat® Dynamic Energy Transfer system prototype under development at Caterpillar Tucson Proving Ground.
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.”
Joshua S. Hill is a Melbourne-based journalist who has been writing about climate change, clean technology, and electric vehicles for over 15 years. He has been reporting on electric vehicles and clean technologies for Renew Economy and The Driven since 2012. His preferred mode of transport is his feet.
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A trolley truck rather than a trolley bus!
Yes on the down hill section other times BEV.
It looked like it was engaged on down hill fully loaded. I would expect charge on downhill and add power on uphill? I guess more explanation needed to be told for the full story.
This may be a way to accelerate electrification of mining industry, A) reducing diesel use if renewables are available. 2) May encourage mines to convert existing diesel electric to battery electric. This charging system would possibly allow smaller batteries to be used.
These possibilities would be more attractive on some of the large open pits around the world, encouraging a quicker transition than waiting for lower cost BEV trucks to be available..
Somebody pointed out on another topic that the cost of retrofitting a dump truck, eg, costs about the same as a routine rebuild, so it can be done incrementally. No need to replace the entire truck. Although your mechanics might need to go to night school
The 'ICE take less time to charge' arguement is dead if this is feasible.
Caterpillar are suppliers of equipment used by the Israeli military and government. They should be boycotted in every way, including by the media.