Efficiency Comparison of Electric Wheel Loader Powertrains with Dual Motor Input in Distributed Driving Modes

Abstract

The presented research on electric wheel loaders lacks a detailed analysis of drive energy-saving during the shovel preparation phase, which is characterized by a high probability of loader tire skidding. To address this issue, this study examines the energy consumption efficiency of a two-motor distributed drive wheel loader under three drive modes including front motor drive, rear motor drive, and dual-motor drive, taking into account the change in the drive force demand caused by the bucket landing. This study finds that the motor energy conversion efficiency is the greatest in single-motor drive mode when the bucket does not generate positive pressure with the ground. In dual-motor drive mode, the total torque overcome is greater, but the motor energy conversion efficiency is the greatest when the bucket generates the greatest positive pressure with the ground. This study suggests that in future designs of electric loaders, two motors can be used to distribute the drive, but the front and rear motors should be designed to participate in the drive with a certain torque distribution ratio at different speeds and resistance to avoid the phenomenon of the bucket pressing the ground too much.