A rechargeable battery power pack refuse collection vehicle (RCV) has been developed by UK-based Dennis Eagle - a division of Ros Roca Environmental. The plug-in system, using rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs (located on each side of the truck chassis), is designed to give enough power to enable the hydraulics of refuse collection body equipment to work a full eight hour shift without recharging.
Taking into account the seemingly conflicting demands of the need to improve productivity and performance - while at the same time offering environmental enhancements during a period of financial restraint in public spending - Dennis Eagle engineers, together with specialists from MIRA (the UK-based Motor Industry Research Association), have taken the view that a technically more simple system is the correct way to go during a period when public sector budgets are under intense pressure.
So the system enables all the body compaction, binlifter and tip/ejection functions to be carried out with the truck's diesel engine switched off, during the working shift - without the need for expensive modification to either the truck chassis, or the in most other respects standard Dennis Eagle (or RosRoca) branded compaction body. This ensures that costs are kept low, while capacity and work output compare to existing conventional units.
Waste Management World understands that at present, only a prototype - based on a 26tonne gross weight, three axle Dennis Eagle 'Elite' chassis - has been produced. This will be undergoing working trials over the next few months, before production versions are available later in the year. But as the only major difference (compared to the PTO-driven hydraulics on current production models) is the provision of a chassis-mounted electrically driven hydraulic pump, the testing will be to determine the ideal degree of power reserve needed in all types of waste collection operations.
At present, there is no provision for either an engine-driven generator to boost battery power while the truck engine is working at highway traffic speeds, or any provision for 'energy capture' as a result of regenerative braking. Dennis Eagle is however considering the Rexroth system, should end-users demand such a provision.
Unfortunately, the adoption of a 'regen' braking system is likely to result in a payload reduction of around 1 metric tonne, as well as adding to the cost of each vehicle. In contrast, by keeping the electric power pack simple, it is possible to rebody existing PTO- driven refuse collection truck chassis as 'hybrids', or in developing markets, utiliset truck chassis built without a PTO-provision for waste applications.
*More info, e-mail;- sales@dennis-eagle.co.uk
