A new range extender developed by Saim Industrial combines a 10 kW Kubota diesel engine with a 4 kW generator to recharge lithium batteries in compact electric machines, integrating with the vehicle via CAN bus.
As is well known, the underlying problem affecting electric agricultural and industrial machinery, limiting their widespread use, is the low energy density of batteries. A parameter that significantly limits working range. To overcome this handicap, Saim Industrial recently developed a range extender specifically designed for machines equipped with 48-volt powertrains.
The system is based on a Kubota “Z482” “Super Mini” series internal combustion engine, delivering approximately 10 kW at 3,600 rpm, combined with a 4 kW generator operating at 1,800 rpm. Specifically developed as a range extender for 48-volt powertrains, the unit is designed to support compact electric machines when their lithium battery requires additional energy during operation. The combination of the Kubota diesel engine and generator allows the range extender to operate at a defined and efficient operating point. It provides a practical solution for applications where battery capacity alone may not be sufficient for the required duty cycle.
Range extender plug-and-play
The system is supplied as a complete package with everything needed for operation and installation on the machine. Including the radiator, air filter, exhaust muffler and controller. It is therefore conceived as a plug-and-play solution, simplifying integration into the vehicle and reducing the number of additional components required by the machine manufacturer. Communication with the other vehicle systems and the lithium battery is managed by a dedicated control unit through the CAN-bus communication protocol. It allows the range extender to interact with the machine’s electronic architecture and battery management system.
Once configured, the system can manage 100 percent of the battery charging process, with a fast charging rate of up to 80 Ah and a slow charging rate of 5 Ah, while also managing cell balancing. This makes the range extender suitable for compact electric machines requiring greater operating flexibility without abandoning an electric powertrain.
In practical terms, the solution allows the end user to op
Saim Industrial, the range extender for 48-volt powertrains
Autore: Redazione
