Komatsu Excavators: Hydrogen Fuel Cell Testing Begins for Komatsu
Komatsu are known for their use of hybrid technology and their moves towards electrification within the construction and mining industries. What do we know about the new Komatsu hydrogen fuel cell excavator so far?
New Komatsu Excavator
In May 2023, Komatsu launched their proof of concept tests for their hydrogen fuel cell excavators, marking the start of their tests on the hopeful new product. The concept excavator uses a hydrogen fuel cell system and hydrogen tank produced by Toyota Motor Corporation, while the medium sized hydraulic excavator itself is manufactured by Komatsu.
Komatsu’s hope is that these tests will lead to the large scale, commercial production of medium and large hydrogen fuel cell powered construction and mining equipment, paving the way for electrification and sustainable alternatives within the construction and mining sectors.
Why design a Hydrogen Fuel Cell Excavator?
Environmental Sustainability
As stated on their own website, Komatsu’s main goal for the coming years is to achieve zero exhaust emissions and carbon neutrality. Komatsu have committed to halving carbon dioxide emissions from their 2010 levels by 2030, and their longer-term aim is to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. Their sustainability goals don’t stop there, however, as Komatsu also want to assist their material suppliers and partners in achieving carbon neutrality too by using their very own new and sustainable technologies.
It is true that hydrogen fuel cells release zero carbon emissions at use, and they also are more efficient than typical internal combustion engines., with approximately 50% and 25% energy efficiency respectively. By testing out their new hydrogen fuel cell excavator, Komatsu are opening up the potential of improved sustainability for construction and mining companies that make use of their excavator range.
What does Komatsu’s Hydrogen Fuel Cell Excavator Mean for the Industry?
The effect that the hydrogen powered excavator could have on the construction and mining industry ultimately depends on its success as a viable alternative to traditional, diesel powered excavators.
Komatsu claims that the excavator offers the same high performance as traditional, diesel engine versions, in terms of both the digging capabilities of the excavator and its operability.
If their new excavator is successful in maintaining performance and improving construction sustainability, we could soon start to see other industry giants championing hydrogen power too, with hydrogen fuel cell machinery becoming more widespread and accessible to companies worldwide.
So, are hydrogen fuel cells worth it?
Are Komatsu’s efforts worth it? How viable are hydrogen fuel cells as an alternative to traditional engines when it comes to powering medium and large excavators? We cover the topic in detail in our article, ‘Are Hydrogen Fuel Cells Worth It?’, but we have summarised the main advantages and disadvantages of the technology below.
Advantages of hydrogen fuel cells
- Zero emissions at use
- Reliability (can operate at temperatures as low as -40°c with ease)
- 40-60% energy efficiency, compared to 25% of typical internal combustion engines
Disadvantages of hydrogen fuel cells
- Hydrogen is not harvested using renewables
- Hydrogen harvesting emits significant amounts of CO2
- Hydrogen can be difficult and expensive to store due to its reactivity and ability to corrode metals over time
Interested in keeping up to date with industry developments or finding out more about hydrogen fuel cell power? Check out the rest of our blog archive.
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