Volvo CE is talking about the EC300E Hybrid, which is now entering field testing, at bauma 2019. Unlike other systems that capture the swing energy of an excavator’s superstructure to electrically assist the engine, Volvo’s novel hydraulic hybrid harvests ‘free’ energy generated by the down motion of the excavator’s boom and uses it to supercharge the hydraulic system.
The powerful and regular boom-down motions charge 20-liter hydraulic accumulators, which then deliver energy to drive hydraulic assist motors that help power the hydraulic pump. There are the same levels of controllability and performance as the standard EC300E, including the ability to work in ECO mode and Hybrid mode simultaneously.
All this simple and uncomplicated cleverness takes load off the engine, and in the process delivers between 10 to 12 percent lower fuel consumption, up to 12 percent less CO2 emissions – and all with no loss of performance.
When used in production “dig and dump” applications (especially those with a 90-degree swing) the payback of this simple approach can be a little more than a year. The machine provides the same levels of controllability and performance you would expect from the equivalent conventional machine, and up to 17 percent fuel efficiency improvement dependent on application.
Technologies such as this are another example of Volvo CE delivering on its commitment to innovate and develop more sustainable and cost-effective solutions for customers, the company stated.