The internal Ricardo HFX (High Efficiency Excavator) research program demonstrates the application of highly cost-effective technologies for the improvement of performance and/or reduced fuel consumption in highly cyclical construction equipment. The work shown at bauma 2013 applies Ricardo’s flywheel technology to a midsized excavator, recovering energy from boom decent and optionally slewing, and reusing it multiple ways including boom raising. An interactive mock-up of the system will be on display along with information and videos showing the demonstrator machine in operation. HFX is just one demonstration of Ricardo’s high speed flywheel energy storage technology, which is applicable to a range of cyclical equipment and vehicles across the off-highway sector and related markets, with other projects currently ongoing in the on-highway and rail sectors.
Also on show will be the Ricardo Twin Vortex Combustion System – adopted by multiple global OEM customers for some of their current and planned low emissions engines – which is capable of achieving US Tier 4 Interim and Euro V emissions, without expensive aftertreatment technology.
Ricardo personnel will be at the show to discuss the company’s capabilities in vehicle engineering, including rapid new machine concept development, total systems analysis and prototype build, integration of new technologies such as flywheel energy recovery, NVH optimization and electrical systems integration. A comprehensive electric hybrid systems development capability is also available, providing robust solutions for electrical energy storage, motor systems and control systems engineering, and also the electrification of ancillaries and production implementation of entire powertrain solutions. In transmissions, Ricardo’s approach to off-highway dual clutch transmission will be discussed, delivering a low production cost, robust, high efficiency powershift capability.
Held in Munich on April 15 to 21, bauma 2013 is the 30th International Trade Fair for Construction, Building Material and Mining Machines, Construction Vehicles and Construction Equipment. Ricardo will be present throughout the show and will be exhibiting at Hall A5 on stand 311/317.
