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#Product Trends

Hybrid Solutions from John Deere Power Systems

Electrification is an important development in the off-highway market — not to mention a current buzzword in machine design trends. For John Deere Power Systems (JDPS), however, it’s an investment in application expertise that’s years in the making.

John Deere was among the first to introduce electric drive technology in construction and quarry-sized wheel loaders — it produced the 644K Hybrid Wheel Loader in 2013 and the 944K Hybrid Wheel Loader in 2015.

In 2019, the John Deere 644K and 944K Hybrid Wheel Loaders collectively logged more than 1 million operating hours in the field. Achieving this milestone is indicative that this electrification solution is not only innovative and effective, but also durable enough to withstand the rugged demands of the off-highway market.

Field-tested solutions

The John Deere 644K Hybrid Wheel Loader teams a purpose-built three-speed hybrid-electric transmission with a John Deere diesel engine to maintain optimum fuel efficiency. The 644K delivers up to 25% better average fuel efficiency than a conventional 644K. Its hybrid-electric drive recaptures energy while slowing the loader when the operator lets off the accelerator. This lessens the load on the engine, further reducing fuel consumption.

For the John Deere 944K Hybrid Wheel Loader, two generators provide power to its four-wheel motors. Driven by the engine-mounted gear box, the generators convert mechanical energy from the engine to electrical energy. This energy is then transferred to the Power Electronics system, which distributes the energy to the four-wheel motors depending on operator commands.

Tough enough for off-highway

At bauma 2019, JDPS debuted new electric drivetrain components designed specifically to meet the rugged demands of the off-highway market. The new electric drivetrain components from John Deere feature compact, high-speed motors controlled by power electronics from John Deere Electronic Solutions. These eMachine components are integrated in various John Deere pump drive and transmission solutions resulting in a flexible drivetrain portfolio for ease of OEM implementation.

For OEM applications ranging from variable speed power generation to fully electric vehicle transmissions, the modular electric drivetrain component designs offer power generation and traction drive solutions up to 200kW per unit.

Knowing electrification is still new to a market segment, JDPS understands some OEMs will introduce a few electric drivetrain-powered vehicles in an existing product line. With this in mind, its engineers have identified key electric drivetrain components that will easily integrate into an existing space claim where a transmission exists to minimize changes to the vehicle chassis.

Because the John Deere solution includes power generation as well as traction drive components designed to work together, JDPS can work with a vehicle system integrator to provide a solution that ensures the right amount of energy generated for the tractive power. And by simply changing the eMachine length on the gearbox, multiple power levels are achieved with minimal space claim impact.

For selected vehicle applications, single-speed transmission and generator pump drive prototype opportunities are scheduled to begin by the end of this year. New three-speed transmission prototypes for select applications will be available in the following year.

Looking ahead

In this emerging market for electrification technology, JDPS works closely with early adopting OEM customers to understand their application needs and use its expertise to discover innovative ways to develop reliable, efficient, cost-effective alternatives to traditional drivetrain systems. And John Deere will continue to take a flexible, balanced and scalable approach to electric drivetrain engineering.

Generator Hydraulic Pump Drive

Details

  • 45770 Saran, France
  • JDPS