Fuel cells – a powertrain solution for emission free non-road mobile machinery

Authors

M. Jesser, M. Walters, A. Johansson - FEV, T. Gustafsson, M. Lawenius - Husqvarna, S. Mertes - TME, RWTH Aachen University

Summary

Defossilization without any local pollutant emissions will also be required for the powertrains of Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) in the near future. Cities such as Los Angeles, Mexico City, Oslo and Budapest have already committed to using and purchasing only electrically powered construction equipment from 2025 onwards [1]. The operation of construction equipment without local pollutant emissions is already a unique selling point, e.g., for indoor use. However, purely battery-electric operation is at least not yet a suitable solution for applications in long-term operation with high loads. Hydrogen and fuel cells could therefore play an important role, especially on large construction sites in rural areas. In this context, this a will highlight the requirements based on a ride-on concrete trowel and a concrete saw and compare the fulfilment in terms of energy density, weight and recharge duration of a fuel cell powered system versus a pure battery electric system. A typical load case scenario will be evaluated through cycle simulations. The feasibility for a fuel cell powered ride-on trowel will be demonstrated through a package study.