mtu hybrid haul truck concept unveiled at MINExpo 2021
The concept developed by Rolls-Royce Power Systems under the mtu brand is a hybrid haul truck which could help cut CO2 emissions by as much as 30 percent. It is based on existing mtu products and technologies that will be on display for the first time in this combination: a state-of-the-art 12V 2000 mining engine, together with an mtu EnergyPack battery system.
Rolls-Royce Power Systems unveiled hybrid haul truck concept at MINExpo 2021, the major exhibition focused on the mining sector currently held in Las Vegas from 13 to 15 September. The concept developed by Rolls-Royce Power Systems under the mtu brand is a hybrid haul truck which could help cut CO2 emissions by as much as 30 percent. It is based on existing mtu products and technologies that will be on display for the first time in this combination: a state-of-the-art 12V 2000 mining engine, together with an mtu EnergyPack battery system. Talking about mining, also BHP and Caterpillar are committed to develop zero-emissions mining trucks.
mtu hybrid haul truck concept: the simulated operations
«We envision equipping haul trucks with a combination of mtu diesel engines and batteries; our mtu EnergyPacks. The batteries are recharged by recuperating braking energy when going downhill. This stored energy is used to provide power to the loaded truck when going uphill. This allows us to replace the existing engine with a downsized one, leading to huge fuel savings and a meaningful reduction in CO2 emissions», said Alexander Richter, mining application engineer at Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce has simulated operations with a haul truck whose mtu 16V 4000 engine, with an output of 1865 KW, is replaced by a 16V 2000 engine, with an output of 1163 KW, leading to a reduction in CO2 emissions of 20 to 30%, depending on the topographic profile – all with identical performance to the conventional version of the truck. The concept uses existing components and will be realized by Rolls-Royce in partnership with customers.
Rolls-Royce Power Systems 2030 strategy for a cleaner future
According to the decarbonization strategy presented by Rolls-Royce Power Systems during a dedicated event in July, by 2023, the newest generations of mtu Series 2000 and 4000 engines are set to be compatible with alternative fuels. Hydrogen-fuelled engines and fuel cells will also soon be part of the company’s net zero emissions portfolio, first in stationary applications (for electrical power generation) but potentially for mining at a later stage. The final goal of the so-called PS 2030 strategy is for Rolls-Royce Power Systems to become a provider of integrated sustainable solutions for a carbon-neutral future.
