Design and Testing of Innovative Type of Dual-Motor Drive Electric Wheel Loader

Abstract

The electric wheel loader is a new prototype in powertrains and drivetrains that saves energy consumption and diminishes emissions as earthmoving machinery. Dual-motor drive in the front and rear axles of electric wheel loaders helps the distribution of drive torque. However, challenges arise during shoveling conditions, particularly when one motor generates torque exceeding the ground’s adhesion force, leading to tire slippage. This study thoroughly examines the mechanical structure of the working unit and elucidates the correlation between wheel load and hydraulic pressure in the base chamber of the tilt cylinder. This analysis is accomplished through a combination of theoretical derivations and experimental tests. The experiments involve a 5 ton rated load electric wheel loader tested across five running cases as well as weighing tests on a 15 ton rated load electric wheel loader. Based on the experiment discoveries, a dual-motor drive electric wheel loader is designed with specific transmission ratios for the front and rear drivetrains, and a torque distribution strategy is proposed based on wheel load during shoveling. Running condition tests demonstrate sufficient drive force for the new electric wheel loader, and shoveling tests reveal a significant reduction in tire slippage when employing the proposed torque distribution strategy compared to evenly distributed torque in the front and rear axles. Moreover, the driving force during the shoveling process remains undiminished. This indicates that the newly designed loader, in conjunction with the proposed strategy, exhibits excellent shoveling efficiency.