The objective of this project is to provide researched ideation for the electrification process of a mining fleet which WABTEC Corporation can utilize as a foundation for their 2030 net zero carbon emission goal.
Team Members
Alex Ackerman Christian Monaco Jasem Bohamad Owen Vreeland
Instructor: Professor Susan C. Beyerle
Project Poster
Click on any image to enlarge.
Project Summary
In this project, WABTEC tasked our team to research, conceptualize, and prototype an open-pit mining truck system that can operate at net zero carbon emissions by the year 2030. The team’s design went through numerous iterations driven by hours of research. Ultimately, the final design encapsulated the full electrification of the mining vehicles, and it is broken down into four subcategories of development. First, the existing diesel system (motor and fuel tank) will be replaced with a modular set of Lithium-ion batteries. Second, the battery system will be supported by a liquid cooling system, capable managing the high heat output of electric vehicle batteries without interference from the mine’s high particulate environment. Third, the existing electric motors in the vehicles can be outfitted for regenerative breaking. This will provide a 64% percent return on energy which equates to a 4.8% reduction in cost. Lastly, the top and bottom sections of the mines will be outfitted with mobile charging stations capable of navigating the everchanging conditions of an open pit mine. The stations themselves will be powered with hydrogen fuel cells resulting in a 52% reduction to annual production costs.