GE Transportation Systems - Electric Drive Systems

GE Transportation Systems is the world's leading manufacturer of electric drive systems for off-highway vehicles used in surface mining. GE pioneered the electric drive system for mining vehicles nearly 40 years ago and today GE drive systems are installed on thousands of vehicles operating at mines in more than 35 countries worldwide.

The company designs, manufactures and services performance-proven AC and DC electric drive systems with payload capabilities ranging from 120t to 360t. Compared to mechanical drives, electric drives offer lower operating costs, greater reliability, less maintenance and better performance. GE markets an integrated system comprised of an alternator, microprocessor controls and wheel motors that provide both propulsion and electrical retarding.

AC AND DC ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEMS

An electrical drive system uses electrical components in place of many of the components used in mechanical drive trucks. These electrical components contain fewer mechanical wear parts, reducing the need to replace these parts as frequently as needed in a mechanical drive system, resulting in lower operating costs for the electric drive system.

An electric drive also offers significant tractive effort advantages. For example, a truck equipped with the GE150AC™ drive system provides higher tractive effort and increased speed on uphill and flat haul profiles, pushing the continuous motoring capability to an equivalent grade of 12% at a gross vehicle weight of 550,000lb. The system also provides electrical retarding to near 0mph greatly reducing service brake wear.

The system also has many operational advantages including the control of wheel slip and slide thus reducing tire wear. Smart algorithms take signals from both wheels to control slip/slide of wheels delivering a much smoother ride compared to a mechanical differential. Since the current to the traction motor controls the torque and speed, the drivers do not experience shift shocks delivering a smoother ride for the operator.

ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM SERVICE AND SUPPORT

GE's reputation for reliability and support not only extends to replacement parts but also to wide range of service and support options. The company provides parts and service for its installed base of AC and DC electric drive systems. Customers can order high-quality GE replacement parts through a variety of channels, including truck OEMs. E-based services include online parts ordering, troubleshooting, parts updates and apparatus upgrades and training information.

GE offers full service options for drive systems that are tailored to the unique needs of the customer. These service options can include a GE-managed inventory reducing the customers' working capital, GE-managed repair and overhaul schedules based on the mines' specific application and needs, simplified cost planning and other options. Existing full service programs have resulted in record drive system availability and vastly improved operating cost.

ARMATURE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Another successful service program is an armature exchange program, which can save thousands of dollars in armature repair costs and improve availability. GE maintains a pool of armatures that have been rebuilt to the same standards used in original manufacture. When GE receives an order, an exchange armature ships, typically within two business days of the order. Upon its return, the old armature is then rebuilt and placed into the exchange pool.

ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEM ENHANCEMENTS

With a growing number of GE drive system enhancements, mining customers have the opportunity to boost haul truck performance and productivity. A wide range of product upgrades, conversion kits and renewal parts/replacement packages deliver a wide range of operating advantages, including improved availability, extended replacement part life and reduced maintenance and operating costs.

GE drive system enhancements include improved retarding grids, slip/slide control algorithms, the latest in diagnostic and troubleshooting software and silencers. One of the newest software advancements, the GE Statex III System Enhancement, improves processing speed, programming capabilities and data management.