Komatsu Ltd. has developed a concept medium-sized hydraulic excavator that combines a hydrogen fuel cell and Komatsu-developed key components. It has begun proof-of-concept testing that it says will accelerate its efforts to commercially produce medium-sized and large construction equipment powered by hydrogen fuel cells.
Komatsu adopted a hydrogen fuel cell system and hydrogen tank, which were produced by Toyota Motor Corp., on a medium-sized excavator. Komatsu is working toward zero exhaust emissions and a significant reduction in noise and vibration, while delivering the same powerful digging performance and high operability as engine-driven excavators.
Medium-sized and large construction equipment requires a power source with higher energy density than that of small construction equipment, which has led the move to electrification with batteries. Because hydrogen has a higher energy density and can be refueled in a shorter time than recharging batteries, Komatsu has been advancing its R&D efforts as a promising electrification choice for medium-sized and large models.
Source: Komatsu Ltd.
