AC Solutions for Haul Trucks

Siemens has teamed up with  Euclid Hitachi  and  Liebherr Mining Equipment Co., to develop AC drives for the largest diesel electric mining trucks in the world.

The first system went in operation in December 1998 on a Liebherr T282 transporting coal at a mine in Gillette, WY.

In the meantime more than 20 units have been shipped and are operating successfully in mines around the world.

Fully loaded, the Liebherr T282 weighs in at 500 tons with a payload of 360+ short tons.

The truck is powered by two AC traction motors which propel this monster to a top speed of 40 MPH. The motors also function as electric brakes bringing the 12 foot wheels to a safe stop without the use of mechanical brake pads.

Like in a diesel electric locomotive, the truck’s 3000 HP engine drives an AC alternator. Constant voltage DC from this alternator is transformed by an inverter into variable frequency AC and supplies the two AC electric motors installed in the rear axle of the truck.