Lightweight LHD BEV Loader with an Individual Drive for Each Wheel

The paper is devoted to the construction and design solutions of the power supply and drive systems of a prototype, lightweight LHD (Load-Haul-Dump) loader with an innovative “in-wheel drive” transmission system. The loader is a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) with replaceable energy storage. It is intended for use in underground mines with no explosion hazard, especially in metal ore mines. The developed model contains four independent, electric drive systems installed in the road wheels. The paper presents the results of simulation tests, which enabled estimating the required driving power and electricity demand in various regimes and working conditions of the loader. The results of the calculations were used to determine the parameters of the drive system components and the battery capacity. Challenges and problems faced by constructors of BEV LHD loaders with an in-wheel drive have been pointed out.