New compressor unit for E-buses and commercial vehicles

22 September, 2016

Overall, electric drives must be designed to be as effective as possible for use in (partially) electrified drive systems. Here, the compressed air supply for door openers on city buses is just as much a focal point as the use of electrically-driven power steering pumps, for example. The efficiency of the entire system thereby depends on the interaction between the on-board technology and on-board electronics. Undesired effects during later use which are caused by inadequate interface of the subsystems must be prevented.

This is where the Gardner Denver exhibition programme excels, with its core product, the new Hydrovane T02 transit module for compressed air generation. This rotary vane compressor module was specially developed to provide maximum space savings and weight reduction along with the lowest noise possible while ensuring maximum energy efficiency.

Double the volume flow

Direct drive by means of a 400V AC IEC E-motor in a speed range of 800 to 3000 rpm. With a maximum pressure rating of 13Bar, an air volume flow of 6.7l/min is possible; the power consumption is 1.1. to 4.0 kW. In comparison to the previous compressor stages, this new development achieves double the volume flow and a 30 per cent higher pressure level.

For use in the demanding environment in which local buses operate, rotary vane compression has proved to be an ideal principle for compressed air generation, which surpasses the piston compressors with its quiet vibration- and pulsation-free operation, compact design and low maintenance requirements.

Not only are many of the compressors on the market today still too loud and/or too heavy, they also require extensive cooling equipment. This means additional costs during installation and during vehicle operation.

However, there is another way, as demonstrated by the lightweight, compact Hydrovane T02 unit with integrated air dryer, AC electric motor and inverter technology, which is claimed to be around 50 per cent lighter than conventional DC units. Due to the water cooling, the unit can also be mounted in poorly ventilated, confined installation spaces in the vehicle. The inverter works with the Hydrovane Compressor Smart Protocol and precisely adjusts the rotary speed of the compressor to suit the compressed air requirement of the vehicle.

The T02 unit can be configured to suit customer requirements. For example, an air-cooled unit can also be configured with the same core components. This flexible, modular construction can be used in a huge range of vehicle types with different drive concepts and, states the company, the easy integration of e-motors with even greater energy efficiency makes this compressor unit ‘future-proof’.

www.gd-transport.com

www.gardnerdenver.com