Pilot study on the design of more energy efficient forest machines

Purpose and goal: ** Denna text är maskinöversatt **

The project aim is to describe how new concepts and techniques can be used in forest machines (harvesters and forwarders) to improve energy efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of the machines´ life cycle. The goal of mapping the conventional machines´ energy use to at least 90% is deemed to be fulfilled for the forwarder but not for the harvester. The goal that the concepts would achieve a saving in local energy use of 25% is deemed to be fulfilled for both machines.

Expected results and effects: ** Denna text är maskinöversatt **

The project has meant that the project parties have gained an increased understanding of the forest machines´ energy use and how electrification and new hydraulic solutions can be used to make the machines more efficient. The knowledge will be used in future development projects and may influence the introduction of such technology on forest machines.

Approach and implementation: ** Denna text är maskinöversatt **

The project has been carried out in three phases. In a survey of conventional machines´ energy use, areas for efficiency improvement were identified. In the concept design, various solutions were evaluated and two final concepts were formulated for harvesters and forwarders, a hybrid concept and a battery electric concept. In a life cycle analysis and calculation of the life cycle costs, the concepts´ climate impact, resource depletion and economic potential were calculated.