Automotive Technology

I think so, but unlike consumer hybrids, the industry will demand that the savings really be there when you factor in initial purchase price and cost of operation (i.e., maintenance).

Right now many hybrid SUVs and cars cost so much more than their non-hybrid counterparts that it hard (if not impossible) to recoup the extra cost over the life of average ownership.

RIGHT! Is it worth the little fuel savings, when the equipment relies on other petroleum products to operate? Locating and affording a Maintenance Tech to service and repair, hopefully, warranty would include a clause for service, too.

Considering Heavy Equipment operates using Hydraulics to run everything... I'm not sure converting the Chemical/Thermal energy from the diesel into electric only to convert back to mechanical which will convert yet again into hydraulic pressure is the key. Maybe... but it seems there would be a better way (maybe not safer...).

I know the UPS hydraulic Hybrid basically just used accumulators to recoup lost energy via the braking system etc. Maybe adding a couple high pressure accumulators and making the hydraulic system recoup lost energy would be slightly more efficient than all the energy conversions required to make a diesel/electric/hydraulic hybrid. dump pressure from the Accumulator during spike demands. slowly pump them back up when no spike condition exists. This would allow you to slightly reduce the HP requirement to operate the system (but not much). since Heavy equipment doesn't need to stop/slow down from high speeds, the ability to recoup braking energy is nearly non existent.

Bottom line is... Properly design the hydraulic system for maximum efficiency to reduce HP requirements is the way to go in my book... I'm not a fan of unnecessary energy conversions.

If you want you can buy hybrid class 7 truck at Kenwoth named T370.

I get where your coming from,but, the hydraulics is run by the trans. in most applications (memorable 80K front-end loader), hydraulics is the receiving/output energy of HP. Why are we making it sound so difficult? We just need to change the HP source, a momentary spike in HP, I agree, does not affect the operation of hydraulics and how do you feel about going back to a generator, rather than an accumulator? Personally, I think they should leave heavy equip alone....in the end, the only "tool" using fuel. Also, have they established any schools for the hybrids? I'd liked get in upon my return from Afghanistan. I'm sure fleets will send their folks to school, but, is there anything out there for us independents?

The high /low loading required for many operations would indicate an improvement on consumption. A lot of equipment is operated with the throttle set with the revs up in the power band. if an electric motor could take the surge then the main engine could be allowed to return to idle/ high idle between bursts of power.

Bulldozing would not seem a worthwhile project for this but excavators would be a prime candidate for the conversion

Hi,

Old Coles yard cranes 50's/60's era used hybrid. Small 4 cyl dsl driving gen. Which operated 4 motors. Providing power for derrick, winch, slew and drive. They where up to twenty tons and some still operate today! Many modern day trains are hybrid.

Old tech new marketing.