World’s first, German-Swiss equipment manufacturer Liebherr has launched L566 H, a prototype version of a large wheel loader powered by hydrogen. In partnership with construction company Strabag, the wheel loader is part of a 2-year pilot project at Gratkorn quarry in Austria.
With countries planning to reduce their carbon emissions to net zero as early as 2040, there is a push for innovations in the transportation and construction industry, which have conventionally been the highest emitters of planet-warming emissions.
On the other hand urban transportation industry become successful in electrifying small—to medium-sized vehicles, and heavy machinery such as loaders cannot be operated with stored electricity from batteries.
The high energy demand of heavy equipment makes them unsuitable for operation on batteries, which is where hydrogen can help.
Source: www.globalconstructionreview.com
Hydrogen-powered heavy Wheel loader
Due to its hydrogen-high energy properties, It is being explored as the best alternative to fossil fuels. When used in a fuel cell, hydrogen is combined with oxygen to make electricity. However, Liebherr’s ideas for the L566 H are very different.
Liebherr uses hydrogen in a specially designed combustion engine that can consume hydrogen instead of diesel to power the heavy wheel loader. Made at the company’s components division at its engine plant located in Bulle, Switzerland, the specially modified combustion engines produce no CO2, nitrous oxide gases, or toxic gases while offering high energy efficiency.
“The technology also enables large vehicles that are difficult to electrify due to their high energy demand to be operated without CO2,” said Dr.-Ing. Herbert Pfab, “Liebherr” Technical Director.
According to its claims, if it were powered by diesel, the L566 H would prevent the emission of 100 metric tons of Carbon dioxide every year.
is it still scalable?
Although prototype projects are meant to experience new technology and determine if they can be successful and scaled up, powering a heavy wheel loader with hydrogen could be considered a pipe dream. According to the company’s estimates, the L566 H will prevent the consumption of around 9,900 gallons (37,500 liters) of diesel, but the heavy machinery will need to be supplied with green hydrogen to prevent emissions.
At the pilot work site, the heavy wheel loader will be refueled with green hydrogen supplied by Energie Steiermark, but the availability of green hydrogen is still a concern.
