Electrification Of A Tiltrotator : Electrifying The Hydraulic Tilt Function

Abstract: As new emission regulations in the EU set more stringent requirements on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, original equipment manufacturers (OEM) must find ways to align with the EUs sustainability goals. By transitioning to more electrically driven machinery, operators of off-highway vehicles can benefit from better fuel economy, lower greenhouse gas emissions and less air pollution. This study explores the possibilities of electrifying the hydraulic tilt function of the Steelwrist X18 Tiltrotator, a critical component in off-highway vehicle equipment. According to Steelwrist, other original equipment manufacturers such as VOLVO CE have asked when Steelwrist can deliver a fully electric tiltrotator. Key findings show that the chosen electromechanical actuator concept, the EWELLIX CASM-100-RA, with a 8.2 [kW] motor kit, have acceptable performance, but does not to meet every specified requirement. Installing two CASM-100-RA actuators on the X18 results in a 17% weight increase that would adversely affects the excavator’s load-carrying capacity and work efficiency. Despite the drawbacks, the paper acknowledges that the other considered concepts would have resulted in even heavier and/or bulkier solutions