Electrification of Caterpillar Utility Compactor
Problem statement
Recently changing emission standards for mobile diesel construction machinery are pushing the limits of just how clean existing diesel technology can become, as well as increasing the viability of alternative fuel sources. With improving electric motor and battery technology, cheaper operating costs, and stricter environmental regulations, the electrification of existing diesel systems is rapidly emerging as a technology that can save stakeholders money and improve efficiency compared to traditional diesel systems. Motor-graders, light maintainers, rollers, and compactors combine for $1.7 billion in revenue on a yearly basis, and all signs point to this trend continuing as the United States strives to tackle its $836 billion backlog in infrastructure projects, as reported by the Department of Transportation. Industry and government emphasis on eco-friendly technologies, as well as an increase in demand for paving machinery, present a uniquely promising opportunity for Caterpillar to integrate electric motors into their utility compactors (UCOMs). UCOMs’ smaller size, lower weight, and shorter run times allow for less power and endurance than some of the other machinery Caterpillar offers, making them the ideal candidate for the first attempt at an electric redesign. Caterpillar Paving Products wants their CB1.7 Utility Compactor modified to accommodate and operate using a battery-powered electric motor instead of the current diesel engine. For this redesign to be successful, Caterpillar needs to see the resulting efficiency improvement detailed in an efficiency model, which will demonstrate the efficiency gains, cost reduction, power flow, and areas where further improvements can be made.
Team members
Hayden Barth – leader
Luc Marty – communicator
Mason Murphy – accountant
Evan Siira – admin
Client
Nick Oetken, Caterpillar Paving Products