Hybrid Drive Systems for Industrial Applications

Hybrid drives for automotive application are extensively discussed and have been available for several years. In contrast, hybrid drives for industrial and off highway applications are less developed. This is even though the fuel savings potential and expected other benefits are much more promising than in automotive applications.

The company HEINZMANN and the University of Karlsruhe concentrate on hybrid drives for these applications. HEINZMANN develops and produces control systems and electrical motors which can be used in hybrid drives. The Institute of Mobile Machines at the University of Karlsruhe is experienced in simulating off highway machines. In a joined project the two partners are applying an electrical mild hybrid drive to a municipal multipurpose vehicle.

In this paper the diesel-electric hybrid technology is presented as well as the different applications in construction equipment, fork lifts. A closer analysis is performed with a municipal multi-purpose vehicle equipped with the hybrid drive. Measurements of a conventional vehicle were used for the validation of a simulation model. Results of the simulation are being presented. More than 20% savings in fuel consumption have been determined.