Hydraulics

Hydraulic Improvements Achieved in Wheel Loader Electrification Project

Oct. 17, 2022

Danfoss Editron’s conversion of a wheel loader to electric power enabled efficiency gains within the hydraulics system.

Danfoss Power Solutions’ Editron division recently developed a proof-of-concept wheel loader powered by a fully electric drivetrain. The electric drive system is comprised entirely of Editron hardware, including electric motors and inverters.

A goal for the Danfoss team was to improve overall performance of the machine, helping provide a better case for transitioning to electrification. To do so, it was determined rethinking the entire system architecture of the wheel loader was the best approach instead of doing an engine swap.

“We wanted to go the extra mile and show how much you can actually achieve when working with electric systems and what different things you can make happen,” said Kimmo Rauma, vice president of Danfoss' Editron division, an interview with Power & Motion.

With the new system architecture, the propel and hydraulic work functions were separated which allowed for reduced power consumption and efficiency gains. “The wheel loader in total uses half of the energy it did before and [is] more production efficient,” said Rauma. “So, we get more done with half of the energy than before.”

Danfoss plans to show the electric wheel loader proof-of-concept vehicle at bauma 2022, a construction and mining industry trade show taking place October 24-30 in Munich, Germany.

READ MORE about bauma and the technologies that will be on display at the 2022 event:

bauma 2022 to Highlight Key Technology Trends for Construction and Mining Equipment

bauma 2022: New Construction and Mining Technology Launches

bauma 2022: A Turning Point for Electrification in Heavy Equipment

About the Author

Sara Jensen | Executive Editor, Power & Motion

Sara Jensen is executive editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies.

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