Decarbonization Of Heavy Equipment For A Better Tomorrow

  • Editorial Team
  • Heavy Construction Equipment
  • 27 February 2024

Currently, the globe is going through advanced infrastructural development and we can’t deny the noticeable input of construction equipment. However, the hazardous emissions from heavy machinery are dangerous to living species which requires a decrement.

But the main part here is how contractors can reduce equipment emissions.

With the increased number of construction projects, demand for heavy machinery, and global population, it is challenging for the authorities to build and sustain a green environment.

To make it easier for you, here are a few approaches that can help in creating an emission-free environment;

How To Minimize Heavy Equipment Emission Rate?

According to a recent U.S. study report, heavy construction equipment usage releases a total of 400MT of CO2 annually. Let alone an excavator contributes 50% of the total emissions.

With the increased number of residential and nonresidential projects, experts predict that the emission rate will increase.

If industries don’t shift towards adopting sustainable practices the increased pollution due to machinery can become an uncontrollable global cause.

However, two key methods to minimze the emission are the addition of alternative fuels and battery-electric power systems.

Limitations To Know

However, the main problem with battery electric systems is their limitation to small-sized machinery. Other heavy machinery including excavators, loaders, and graders require high-quality power systems.

This is the reason why heavy equipment users have to invest in high-tech systems and advanced batteries that add up to the financial cost.

Moreover, the limited charging options limit the usage of battery-powered machinery. Especially in remote locations, heavy machinery is used where charging infrastructure is still left to be developed.

Extensions To The Limitations

One way to resume emissions with the above-mentioned limitations is to combine hybrid systems with electric features components along with a small combustion engine.

However, approaches to improve efficiency can help in benefiting both the diesel as well as powered machines. With efficient usage of equipment, the owner will require fewer energy-supplying resources. Ultimately, the emission rate will also decrease.

If owners switch to electric-powered heavy equipment then an efficient equipment consumption approach will help in increasing the battery life of the equipment.

Are Energy-Efficient Technologies The Ultimate Solution To Control Emissions?

Generally, excavators operate at a 30% efficacy rate while wasting 70% of engine energy. With the integration of energy-efficient solutions, these excavators can have smaller operating engines.

According to a recent report by a renewed U.S. construction company, with the expansion of energy-efficient technologies an excavator of over 15 tons can save fuel consumption by 15% to 30%

Energy-efficient methods will not only impact environmental stability but will also help equipment owners manage operational costs.

Moreover, owners can impress clients by highlighting the positive contribution of heavy equipment used in commercial projects, as they are likely to invest in energy-efficient machinery.

Energy-efficient technologies can benefit the transition to electrification as well. The less energy machine components and systems require, the longer a battery can last between charges. According to Danfoss, the use of energy-efficient technologies can reduce battery capacity by up to 24.8%.

The Bottom Line

The urgency to shift towards green culture and low-emission heavy equipment is taking over the construction and mining industries all over the world. In such cases, especially heavy machinery manufacturers are looking for ways to increase equipment efficacy by keeping the emission rate low.

With the integration of energy-efficient technologies, heavy equipment can minimze battery capacity by up to 25%.

Additionally, as a global contributor, equipment owners can meet sustainability compliance and conversely attract their potential clients.

Therefore, we can safely assume that the coming age of heavy equipment is all about discovering and integrating decarbonizing technologies.