Optimal Battery Size and Charging Power Level Design for Off-Road Construction Equipment Considering Battery Weight and Real-World Activity Constraints

Abstract

Electrification of heavy-duty off-road construction equipment is lagging behind of on-road vehicles. Energy needs of these equipment vary greatly across types, sizes, and usage. Thus, determining equipment types feasible for electrification by taking real-world activity into account is crucial. This paper presents a methodology to determine the optimal battery sizes and charging power levels for 31 pieces of construction equipment across eight types based on their real-world, in-use operational data. The proposed methodology also accounts for additional tractive energy consumption due to battery weight. The results show that 16 out of the 31 pieces studied can be battery electrified with current technology. Results also show variation in required battery sizes and charging power levels within and across equipment types due to differing levels of activity and energy demand. The proposed methodology can also be applied to other types of off-road equipment to assess their feasibility for electrification.