Development of the Mild Hybrid System for Off-Road Machinery

<div class="section abstract"><div class="htmlview paragraph">In recent years, the importance of achieving carbon neutrality has been highlighted in response to the escalating severity of climate change. In the leading automobile market, the share of electric vehicles is gradually expanding, especially in passenger car sector. However, it is not same in commercial vehicle sector. In the off-road machinery market, as with electrification in commercial vehicles, the factors such as the need to install charging infrastructure and the requirement for large batteries to expand operating duration are significant challenge to full electrification. As one of the realistic solutions toward carbon neutrality for off-road machines, methods to utilize both internal combustion engines (ICE) and their applied products are being reconsidered.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">Under the circumstances, we have developed a mild-hybrid (MH) system for small off-road machinery. This system adopts a 48V power supply in order to minimize size of the system offers as a “Drop-in” package solution. This system maintains the power take-off configuration, facilitating the replacement of conventional ICE with MH system. With MH system, the motor can provide additional power and support during peak loads, improving machine response towards workability. Furthermore, it may potentially contribute to fuel efficiency improvements through engine downsizing.</div><div class="htmlview paragraph">In this paper, we introduce our approach for the development of MH system package to align with the unique characteristics and constraints of off-road machinery. Furthermore, we examine the potential advantage and impacts of hybridization, including improvements in performance and fuel efficiency.</div></div>