Subscribe25 percent lower fuel consumption with lower CO2 emissions also wins the Special Environmental Award.
The B3.3 engine from Cummins Inc. powered the Mecalac 12MTX Hybrid wheeled excavator to dual-award winning success today at the Intermat show in Paris. The machine won both the Gold Award For Innovation as well as a Special Environmental Award. The 51 kW (68 hp) rated 4-cylinder B3.3 engine drives an electrical generator and lithium-ion battery system to achieve 25 percent lower fuel consumption with reduced CO2 emissions and quieter operation.
The 9-tonne 12MTX Hybrid is a highly versatile machine with the ability to operate either as an excavator, loader, materials handler or other functions by quickly changing tool attachments. Based on the compact and agile 12MTX, the Hybrid version is the latest innovative machine from the Mecalac Ahlmann Group whospecialisein equipment ideally suited for city centre construction sites with limited operating space.
The Cummins B3.3
The B3.3 engine incorporated within the diesel-electric system operates at an engine rpm speed optimisedfor fuel-efficiency. The 51 kW (68 hp) mechanical power of the engine output is rated to match the average power requirement of the machine. When less than 51 kW is needed the batteries are charged, when more than 51 kW is needed the electric motor provides additional power up to 74 kW (99 hp).
A power loop electronic control system ensures a seamless power adjustment between diesel engine and electrical motor.
Rainer Wissmanns, Managing Director of Cummins France S.A said, “We are extremely pleased to be working with Mecalac Ahlmann on the 12MTX Hybrid concept and congratulate them on their award-winning success at Intermat. The 12MTX Hybrid demonstrates how higher fuel-efficiency and lower emissions can be achieved with innovative engineering.”
“Our application engineers worked closely with the Mecalac Ahlmanndesign team and the generator supplier Heinzmann. This ensured the B3.3 engine was fully integrated within the diesel-electric powertrain to realise the full potential of this impressive technology. As a result, the 12MTX Hybrid with a 51 kW engine offers the same power output and torque performance to that of the conventional diesel-powered 12MTX equipped with a Cummins engine rated at 74 kW,” added Wissmanns.
With a compact engine envelope the B3.3 offers a useful space-saving advantage for the diesel-electric installation. The B3.3 is directly coupled to a 15/30 kW Heinzmann electrical motor generator which is attached to the hydraulic pump as a common drive. The engine requires no starter or alternator.
Cummins Hybrid
The diesel-electric system charges the 400V lithium-ion batteries which store the electrical power. During machine braking, energy is recovered and transferred to the batteries. The diesel-electric hybrid architecture is designed to be simple and easy to maintain.
The 51 kW rated B3.3 further enhances the environmental credentials of the 12MTX Hybrid by meeting EU Stage IIIA emissions as well as the lower 0.30 g/kW-hr Particulate Matter option of EPA Tier 4 Interim. The engine utilises a clean combustion formula with the simplicity of mechanically controlled fuel injection and a wastegate turbocharger.
The 3.3-litre engine is built to last, with a cast-iron parent bore block and deep, stiff crankcase with structural ribs. This enhanced engine strength enables the B3.3 to achieve in-service durability levels typically associated with much larger Cummins engines.