Hinowa and “Bi-Energy” technology

The future is sustainability!

Throughout the world, in all industries in which machines play a leading role, the current (and political) debate is focused on the correct use of energy. An issue that has seen Hinowa take a “clean” approach to the manufacture of its aerial platforms for some time.

The perception we have of energy is an issue that is currently undergoing a major change, similar to the one for respect and protection of the environment. The regulations governing CO2 emissions and noise levels are becoming increasingly stringent and, in the near future, many cities will no longer allow access to vehicles with diesel engines. Consequently, so-called “Bi-Energy” technology has been regarded for some time to be a revolutionary approach to aerial platforms by responding to the need for high performance and efficiency with low emissions.

Nowadays, many manufacturers, with Hinowa in the forefront in its role as one of the leading Italian and European companies for the manufacture of aerial platforms, are focusing heavily on providing solutions aimed at respect for the environment and an increase in return on investment, with reduced operating costs both on external and internal construction sites.

This is made possible through the use of the “Bi-Energy” system which combines into one product the specific features of a heat engine, instead of a conventional diesel engine, and a “Lithium-ion” battery pack (lithium battery pack), which eliminates noise, vibrations and exhaust emission. Moreover, this technology, used by Hinowa, makes the platform highly flexible, versatile, autonomous and productive. This type of battery has a much longer life span than conventional lead batteries and is “memory” free meaning that it can be recharged at any time, even when the platform is in use and not just when the battery pack has run out. Another advantage in terms of energy savings is guaranteed by the engine which is only powered when it is moving (Start&Stop technology).

Heat engine and “Lithium-ion” battery

As an extension of total electric drive, the “Bi-Energy” mode prolongs the operating time of the aerial platform and allows it to work in compliance with increasingly stringent local regulations.

To this end, Hinowa is now always able to offer the best solution for work at height thanks to machines specifically designed to facilitate tasks in any situation, while retaining all their specific safety, stability, simplicity and rapid positioning features, as well as ease of use.

Hinowa has been providing this patented technology for over ten years on all its aerial platform models through the use of the above-mentioned “Lithium-ion” battery system. Technology which offers important benefits in terms of energy autonomy of machines which do not require either electrical connections or special maintenance (the wear and maintenance requirements of a conventional combustion engine are absent). They also represent an “eco-friendly” solution because they can be operated without gas and exhaust emissions. The costs of charging are also a third less than the cost of standard fuel.

For these reasons, Hinowa aerial platforms are ideal for building and cleaning companies, as well as painters, renovators, maintenance technicians and gardeners. They are also the ideal solution for all the work typically carried out in airports, shopping centres, historical buildings, hotels, shops, industries, funfairs, parks and gardens. In each of these places, the operators can easily and independently choose the best power source for the aerial platform as required. There are currently over a thousand “lithium-ion” machines in circulation demonstrating their reliability worldwide.

Twice the power for Hinowa platforms

At Bauma 2019, Hinowa announced the launch of the LL26 Bi-Energy and LL33 Bi-Energy aerial platforms, featuring lithium batteries, respectively 100 Ah and 150 Ah, and Kubota D902, Tier IV 3-cylinder, 16.1 kW (21.6 CV) liquid-cooled diesel engines.

The signature feature of these two new aerial platforms is the low noise levels both when using the diesel engine (104 dB guaranteed noise level) and the electric engine (respectively 88 dB and 95 dB guaranteed noise level). The Lithium-ion battery is charged via a special on-board battery charger. Hinowa platforms, featuring this technology, are, therefore, machines that, when operating in battery mode, do not emit fumes, generate noise or consume fuel and are free from ground cables, proving themselves to be the ideal vehicle for anyone who needs a fast, accessible, compact and lightweight machine.