Komatsu has had a worldwide launch for their hybrid excavators.
In June 2008, Komatsu introduced the world’s first hybrid hydraulic excavator (the PC200-8 E0 hybrid) into the Japanese market. During 2009, sales started into China. By the end of October 2010, over 650 units had been sold. Based on research and the experience learnt from this machine, Komatsu has introduced the HB205 and the HB215LC hybrid hydraulic excavators. After an initial launch in Japan, the excavators will be sold into the North American, Chinese, Latin American, Southeast Asian and European markets.
Kinetic energy developed during the swing braking phase is converted to electricity, which is sent through an inverter and captured by a capacitator. The captured energy is quickly discharged for upper structure rotation and assists the diesel engine as commanded by the hybrid controller when accelerating under workload conditions.
These 20 tonne class excavators have reduced fuel consumption and lower nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide emissions. The models are expected to have higher availability rates due to improvements in hybrid components. For potential owners who have multiple uses for the excavators, an option is common-use hydraulic pipes which enable different attachments to be used depending on the work site. All the hybrid components are developed and manufactured in-house by Komatsu. Komatsu is planning to expand the use of hybrid technologies to larger excavators and other construction equipment. Source: www.komatsu.com