JCB machine with WMG software (WMG, University of Warwick)
Intelligent construction machines which are more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly are set to enter the market, after development work by JCB and the University of Warwick.
The construction equipment giant worked with the university’s research unit on new software which will be installed in the machines.
The software was created as part of the Off-Highway Intelligent Power Management (OHIPM) project – a collaboration between JCB, WMG and electronics manufacturer Pektron, part-funded by Innovate UK – which aimed to create the next generation of JCB vehicles.
Wanting to produce machines which emit fewer CO2 emissions, and to maintain their business performance in a changing market, JCB enlisted the expertise of Dr James Marco from WMG’s energy team.
They analysed JCB data to establish which parts of the machine fleet could be most effectively optimised through intelligent power solutions.
The team at WMG then created the control software to operate intelligent engines with automotive powertrain technology, enabling them to sense when the machines are idle and make the decision to switch themselves off (or power down) when power is not required – leading to optimal energy efficiency and minimal pollution.
Many off-highway machines are left running while idle for much of their life – potentially wasting fuel and increasing operating costs.
The WMG technology was tested with prototype hardware and installed in a JCB Hydradig excavator, allowing “real life” simulations to be conducted on actual machines.
The OHIPM project concluded in summer 2017, and intelligent JCB machines utilising this technology could be on the market by 2019-2020.
Lee Harper, principal engineer at JCB, said: “This collaborative project between JCB, WMG and Pektron has helped to identify and develop future technologies that can improve the efficiency of many off-highway machines. The novel technology has shown great promise when tested over a variety of real world duty cycles.”
Dr Marco said: “Being able to extend our control and systems modelling expertise into the off-highway sector and to work with both JCB and Pektron engineers has made this a really exciting and rewarding project to be a part of and one where the research has the potential to deliver real impact for all partners.”
