Caterpillar unveils energy solutions for the mining industry

Caterpillar Inc. has introduced an innovative OEM-designed solution to address one of the mining industry’s most challenging aspects of the energy transition: energy management

The Cat Dynamic Energy Transfer (DET) system is entirely developed by Caterpillar and can transfer energy to both diesel-electric and battery-electric large mining trucks while they operate on a mine site. Additionally, it can charge a machine’s batteries while operating with increased speed on grade, enhancing operational efficiency and machine uptime. The Cat DET system offers the industry options to support both near-term and long-term sustainability strategies.

Denise Johnson, Caterpillar’s resource industries group president, stated, “We believe Cat DET provides a technological leap for the mining industry. Our team of innovators designed this system to provide immediate benefit to miners who want to lower their operating costs and greenhouse gas emissions today while also creating flexibility for the future. We know customers need choices to fit their unique site objectives. We are proud to deliver an innovative, integrated solution that can support their needs of today and those of the future.”

Flexibility through innovative design

The Cat DET system consists 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 customised to fit customers’ specific site layouts, including high-speed and curved haul roads, which boosts productivity. The connecting arm can be mounted on either side of a truck and on various truck models, offering flexibility to meet customers’ specific operations. It can be used on both mature and developing sites and is easily movable or expandable to maximise mine site coverage.

Cat DET will integrate with the Cat MineStar Command for hauling solution, combining autonomy and electrification technologies to provide a comprehensive site solution.

Marc Cameron, Caterpillar senior vice-president, 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.”