Improved truck engine control for crane driving : - Focusing on fuel consumption

Abstract: Due to increased demands on fuel economy the question of a more intelligent engine control for driving a truck-mounted crane has been raised. The aim of this thesis is to develop a new engine control for crane driving. The primary concern for the new engine control is fuel economy, but other factors, such as driver environment and drivability, have been taken into consideration as well. A literature study investigating engine control in construction machines has also been carried out and the results are presented in this report. Due to the fact that the hydraulic control system as well as the diesel engine control system is designed by the same construction machine manufacturer, more complex control strategies are utilized in these applications. In order to test the new control strategy a full-scale test has been carried out on a Scania truck with a crane from Hiab. The results point towards lower fuel consumption, better driver experience and lower noise levels. Some of the control features of the new control are suggested to be placed in the crane, and some in the truck. Only a small expansion of the communication between truck and crane would be necessary in order for the new control strategy to work. The experiences from the literature study point on several features utilized in construction machines that could be implemented in the crane control of the future.