Kollmorgen's
new Power Generation System, introduced
at the recent Hybrid Truck Users Forum (HTUFβ’), is a complete power platform optimized
to meet virtually any heavy-duty vehicle's energy requirements, with
flexibility to fit into applications where space is at a premium. The system was
installed on a Kenworth D300 diesel truck to enable HTUF attendees to
experience the system in action with live "ride and drive" demonstrations.
"We provide an optimized solution by
generating power at the voltage that customers need. With our newest solution, we
are able to produce approximately twice the power that an alternator is
generating today," says Brandon Edlefsen, business unit director for
Kollmorgen's vehicle power generation business. "We also provide that power at
low voltage (28V) which eliminates the need for complex cooling systems and
power conversion equipment."
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Consisting of a Kollmorgen permanent magnet
ac generator, generator controller, software and cables, the system has the
flexibility to support a broad range of heavy-duty hybrid vehicle power needs
at low or high voltage, ac, dc or both. Its modular design readily accommodates
vehicle upgrades and retrofits with limited changes to the vehicle system
architecture.
The generator provides twice the
power density within the same space as a traditional alternator, using air- or
liquid-cooled designs, and can be mounted in belt-driven, PTO or inline
configurations. The generator controller is rooted in a product platform with
more than one million units delivered since 1996. The controller features a
robust, modular architecture that is engineered to withstand the most demanding
commercial and military environments, and that facilitates easy expansion as
vehicle needs evolve. Cables are shielded and optimized for heavy-duty vehicle
applications. They consume minimal space and weight, while delivering maximum
performance and reliability even in temperatures up to 260C.
Electrical power is an ideal technology
partner to the internal combustion engines in heavy-duty hybrid vehicles. It
offers outstanding torque, efficiency, economy and cleanliness to supplement
fossil fuels on urban buses, agricultural vehicles, military vehicles and other
heavy-duty hybrids. Electric power is also an increasingly significant tool for
powering auxiliary equipment, from trash compactors on garbage trucks to
armored doors on defense vehicles.
"The key innovations with this technology
provide more power per unit volume and the flexibility to deliver that power at
the voltage our customers need," says Edlefsen. "This is a huge breakthrough
for OEMs when space and weight are at a premium but we can also do this in a
cost-effective manner."
Edlefsen says the modularity and
flexibility of the electronics establish a core architecture that meets our
customer's immediate requirements while enabling a core platform that grows with
the vehicle's future needs. Kollmorgen has been intentional with the
electronics to build scalable10 KW modules that support multiple voltage
requirements from 24-80V dc. So if a customer needs 30 KW, three units provide
the power needed.
The Power Generation System provides
solutions to meet a variety of customer needs ranging from low (24V dc) to high
(750V dc) voltage, from 10 to 250 KW and in different mechanical
configurations, including belted and PTO (power takeoff) generators, as well as
inline generators that mount between the engine and transmission. The power generated
can be used to run onboard systems, charge batteries for engine-off operations
and start the internal combustion engine.
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