Korean-multinational Doosan Infracore reported that it will start developing a hybrid excavator with enhanced energy efficiency and emissions drastically reduced.
The plan for the development of the new excavator model is part of a Korean government plan for investing in future technologies. The consortium of seven institutions both in and out of Korea led by Doosan Infracore is participating in the project, in which a total of 18 billion won will be invested.
The new model of hybrid excavator uses a diesel engine and can supplement the insufficient engine output at a time when it’s overloaded with the surplus power saved. The future-oriented excavator can go a long way in reduction of fuel consumption and emission gas (carbon dioxide down by 35%) as well as enhancement of energy efficiency.
The 22 tonne-class excavator plans will focus on environmentally-friendliness and economic efficiency. Its fuel efficiency will be improved by about 35% with a power conversion device that helps reuse the energy usually wasted when turning and operating various devices.
Dr. Kim Nak-in in charge of the project said: “Doosan Infracore will secure its position as the world’s top construction equipment manufacturer in the hybrid excavator market, which is expected to grow to 730 billion won per year by 2020. Our hybrid technology developed here will also be applied to wheel-loaders and forklifts.”
The consortium led by Doosan Infracore will be comprised of Komotec (specialising in motors), ADT (a manufacturer of power and electronic core parts), Doosan Mottrol, LS Mtron, Seoul National University, Korea Institute of Machinery & Materials (KIMM) and the German RWTH Aachen University (specialising in pneumatic systems electronics) Doosan is best known internationally for its subsidiary brands, which include compact equipment maker Bobcat.