Hitachi Electronics

One huge advantage Hitachi Construction Machinery has over competitive manufacturers is that we can draw upon the latest technology developed by a number of sister companies. Their areas of expertise range from computer chips to powertrain and drive-control systems.

For example, Hitachi equipment use a Hitachi-made central controller. This device monitors and diagnoses all onboard controls. It is so sophisticated it can handle the job of many different controllers made by other manufacturers. In our trucks, the Hitachi central controller performs the function of electronic hoist control, communicates with the engine and drive-system processors, reads sensor and switch information, processes and provides outputs signals to control electrical components such as solenoids, relays, alarms, LCD info, Haultronics, etc.

One significant change in our ACII drive trucks is the switch from GTO (Gate Turn-off Thyristor) to IGBT (Integrated Bipolar Transistor). What's the advantage? As today's state-of-the-art power electronics for the traction system of diesel-electric haul trucks, IGBT units are smaller and lighter. They have a higher pulse frequency for lower firing current, less heat, smoother acceleration process, and reduced tractive noise. The resulting benefits are higher availability, lower operating cost, easier to remove and reinstall, and easier to repair.

Hitachi electronics has been in the electrical-drive-system business for years — first with GTO, now with IGBT. As with GTO, IGBTs were first introduced in rail vehicle applications before being used in haul truck applications. So initially, Hitachi IGBT drives were and are still being used in commuter electric cars, locomotives, and monorails in Australia, Brazil, China, Indonesia, South Africa, and Thailand, and bullet trains in Japan. More than 400 IGBT-based systems have been installed worldwide since 1992.

Although IGBTs have reached maturity, research and development continues, as well as R&D into the various peripherals associated with the power module. So be assured that by Hitachi providing its own IGBT, we will be able to take advantage of the latest developments.