Image copyright: Caterpillar
The Cat dynamic energy transfer (DET) technology was unveiled by Caterpillar with the goal of enhancing mining productivity and sustainability. The system can charge machine batteries while in motion, cutting downtime and improving performance, and it supplies energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric mining trucks while they are in operation.
“We think Cat DET offers a technological advance for the mining sector,” stated Denise Johnson, head of Caterpillar’s resource industries group. “This system was created by our creative team to help miners who want to reduce their operating expenses and greenhouse gas emissions now, while also giving themselves flexibility for the future.”
The system consists of a machine system to supply energy to the truck’s engine, an electrified rail for energy transmission, and a power module to transform energy from the mine’s power source. Because the rail system is transportable and can adjust to different site layouts, it can cover a larger area of a mine site when necessary.
Automation and electrification are combined when Cat DET is integrated with the Cat MineStar command for hauling.
Marc Cameron, senior vice president of Caterpillar, stated, “These technologies will help miners achieve production targets while managing energy demands.”
