Today, Caterpillar Inc has unveiled an innovative OEM-designed solution to help solve one of the most complex aspects of the mining industry’s energy transition – energy management.
Cat® Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) is described as a fully Caterpillar-developed system that can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they are working around a mine site. It can also charge a machine’s batteries while operating with increased speed on grade, improving operational efficiency and machine uptime. The innovative Cat DET system provides the industry with options to support both near-term and long-term sustainability strategies.
“We believe Cat DET provides a technological leap for the mining industry. Our team of innovators designed this system to provide immediate benefit to miners who want to lower their operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions today while also creating flexibility for the future,” said Denise Johnson, Caterpillar’s Resource Industries Group President. “We know customers need choices to fit their unique site objectives. We are proud to deliver an innovative, integrated solution that can support their needs of today and those of the future.”
Cat DET is comprised of a series of integrated elements, including a power module that converts energy from a mine site’s power source, an electrified rail system to transmit the energy and a machine system to transfer the energy to the truck’s powertrain.
It says the rail system is a highly deployable, mobile solution that can be customised to customers’ specific site layouts, including high-speed and curved haul roads, enabling higher productivity. The connecting arm can be installed on either side of a truck and on multiple truck models, providing options to fit customers’ specific operations. It can also be used on mature or developing sites, and it can be easily moved or expanded to allow maximum mine site coverage.
Cat DET will integrate with the Cat MineStar™ Command for hauling solution, merging autonomy and electrification technologies to provide a holistic site solution.
Caterpillar Senior Vice President Marc Cameron explained: “We believe mine sites will benefit from enhanced efficiency with the integration of electrification and automation. When combined, these technologies will help miners achieve production targets while simultaneously managing energy demands.” The Cat DET system will be on display as part of Caterpillar’s MINExpo 2024 exhibit.