Caterpillar Unveils Dynamic Energy Transfer at Minexpo 2024

Caterpillar chose Minexpo 2024 to reveal its new innovative OEM-designed energy transfer solution for both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks.

Photo: Courtesy of Earthmovers Media. 

Caterpillar gave the crowds the wow factor with the largest dumptruck on display at Minexpo the mighty 798AC alongside the elements of its new energy transfer system.

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.

The rail system is a highly deployable, mobile solution that can be customized to meet 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.

According to a Caterpillar spokesman, this system can also charge a machine’s batteries while enabling it to operate with increased speed on grade, thus improving operational efficiency and machine uptime.

Caterpillar’s 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.”