See the world’s first electric hybrid chipper working in Skogelmia

The Finnish Kesla Oyj introduces at SkogsElmia the electric hybrid technology for chippers through KESLA C860 Hybrid, which is already in testing phase. The chipper operates on diesel and electricity, and can also be driven by electricity alone, with some limitations. The hybrid wood chipper can achieve significant reductions in the emissions and fuel consumption of chipping.

The hybrid engine is no longer a feature reserved for cars only

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Various kinds of hybrid engines have been commonplace in cars for many years. The forest technology company Kesla Oyj will present the world’s first electric hybrid wood chipper at the SkogsElmia fair 2015.

“At present, hybrid engines are still rare in work machines. However, we want to be involved in the development of the technology from the start,” says Kari Kokko, Product Development Director at Kesla Oyj. “Wood chip has increased its popularity as a green fuel on an international level too, which means that lowering the emissions and noise caused by the chipping process will further strengthen its position. Thanks to hybrid drive, we can reduce the wood chipper's fuel consumption and emissions, along with improving handling, driving comfort, wood chip quality and general safety.

Low rotation speed at an optimal level

In a hybrid wood chipper, the required diesel engine power can be halved and the engine used at optimum rotation speed in terms of consumption and power. This increases the durability of the engine and also affects work comfort through lower running noise.

In addition to this, we have been able to eliminate the traditional drivetrain, including transmission, which reduces maintenance needs and facilitates bodybuilding.

In the new hybrid wood chipper, electricity is stored in supercapacitors. With electricity, fuel consumption is calculated to be 20–35% lower than with a traditional engine. In reality, the fuel consumption is likely to be even lower as the value does not include the fuel savings attained through the improvement of overall efficiency or the electrification of the loader's pivoting engine.

Run on pure electricity from the national network

In the future, an interesting alternative is to connect the machine to the power mains, which enables it to run on electricity alone.

 “Running the machine on mains electricity is suitable for facility and terminal use, for example,” explains Kari Kokko “In addition to this, mains power is cheap and locally emission-free.”

The chipper at the fair is a prototype in a testing phase.

The tests have gone well. As latest change, we have added moro efficiency in the rotor. Our expectation is, that we will get 60 % more production with the same fuel consumption. With this, the total fuel consumption should sink to 35-40 % level, says Kokko.

New C860-models already on the market

From the same product family, C860, there are already two new models on the market. These are equipped with more traditional technique.

The KESLA C860A is powered by the truck engine (500-650 hv). The chipper powerline has a Katsa transfer case. The operator may connect the power to the chipper or to the truck rear axels. The loader hydraulic pump is connected to the engine. The both PTO and chipper pump to the transmission PTO. The KESLA C860Dchipper is powered by an efficient 13 l Volvo Penta engine (510 hv, mx 2 595 Nm). Chipper power line has a Desch Planox disconnecting clutch with hydraulic pump PTOs. The operator may run all power line PTOs and hydraulic functions like augears, infeed system, loader and chip spout in a case of blockage.

In the series, intake opening is 600 mm x 800 mm. In the renewed rotor (diameter 860 mm) there are 4 + 4 diagonal knives in two rows. The screens used in the chipper are staged and hole sizes 40, 60, 80 and 100 are available. The screens can be changed easily without tools.

The cutting diagonal knives combined with Volvo’s newest engine technology create an efficient and fuel saving solution for chipping.

Facts: KESLA C860 Hybrid

Drive: diesel/electricity
Engine: Volvo Penta TAD572VE (160 kW / 910 Nm) EU Stage IV / EPA Tier 4 Final

The engine of KESLA hybrid chipper is Volvo Penta TAD572VE industrial engine, which fulfils all the latest emission regulation (EU Stage IV / EPA Tier 4 Final). The electric and power transmission components are delivered by Visedo Oy.  

FACTS: KESLA C860 chipper unit

Intake opening: 800 x 600 mm
Rotor diameter: 830 mm
Knives: 4+4 pcs
Screens: 40, 60, 80, 100mm.
Blower: 4 vanes
Power requirements and capacity: 410 kW / 160-200 m3 chips per hour
Weight: 8 200kg

The new KESLA C860 Hybrid wood chipper will be on display at Kesla Oyj's section 496 at the SkogsElmia fair.