Key Takeaways
- Schaeffler Group has launched new electric drive systems for the construction machinery market, responding to increasing demand for electric vehicles.
- The new 800 V heavy-duty electric motors boast high torque and efficiency, optimizing energy use on construction sites.
- Innovations include electromechanical actuators, low-friction bearings, and maintenance-free plain bearings, enhancing performance and reducing emissions in off-highway applications.
Innovations in Electric Drive Systems
Schaeffler Group, a prominent manufacturer of motion technology products, has unveiled a series of new electric drive systems aimed at the construction machinery market. This shift comes as various local governments in Germany implement bans on internal combustion engines (ICE) in urban construction areas, boosting the demand for electric vehicles (EVs).
One of the standout products is the new line of 800 V liquid-cooled heavy-duty electric motors designed for both all-electric and hybrid drive systems. These motors provide impressive torque and a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 5 to 7 kW/kg, achieving maximum efficiencies exceeding 97% within a rotational speed range of 3,000 to 8,000 rpm. Schaeffler emphasizes that these low-loss motors are crucial for extended operating times between charging cycles, thereby optimizing energy utilization on job sites.
The modular motor series includes three variants with maximum outputs of 125, 299, and 315 kW. The only differing factor among the variants is the length of their active components, while the stator laminations and bearing end shields remain consistent across all models, promoting cost-effective manufacturing. The use of flat wire windings, known as wave windings, enhances motor performance and reliability.
At the recent bauma trade fair, Schaeffler showcased a complete electric axle featuring an integrated heavy-duty electric motor, reinforcing its commitment to advancing electric mobility in the construction sector.
Comprehensive Range of Electric Drives
Schaeffler’s Bearings & Industrial Solutions division presents a wide array of electric drives tailored for the construction equipment industry, offering continuous outputs ranging from 1 to 300 kW. The company provides essential components, including complete systems like wheel-hub drives based on permanent magnet synchronous machines. All key manufacturing processes, such as in-house stamped stator laminations and automatic coil windings, are managed by Schaeffler to ensure quality and efficiency.
Additional products targeting the off-highway electric vehicle market include:
– **Electromechanical Linear Actuators**: Models CAHB10 and CAHB2x offer rated forces up to 10 kN for various auxiliary functions in off-road vehicles, including adjustments for signal lights and ergonomic seating.
– **Low-Friction Roller Bearings**: Schaeffler has successfully reduced friction in cylindrical roller bearings, making them suitable for compact planetary gear applications. This reduction contributes significantly to lowering energy consumption and emissions in construction machines.
– **Torque Measurement Sensors**: To enhance performance and minimize downtime, Schaeffler’s torque measurement modules record stress data during operation, facilitating optimized control and maintenance based on real-time data analytics. This technology helps in identifying critical load conditions, ultimately reducing operating costs and improving safety.
– **Maintenance-Free Plain Bearings**: Innovatively designed to replace traditional tapered rolling bearings on kingpins and chassis joints, these new dry-running plain bearings, featuring the Elgoglide sliding layer, address issues related to lubrication failure, significantly increasing durability.
With these advancements, Schaeffler aims to lead the charge in transforming the construction machinery sector, improving efficiency, and reducing environmental impact through innovative electric solutions.
The content above is a summary. For more details, see the source article.
