A cost-efficient and safe construction process, lower noise and CO2 emissions — the concept of an all-electric construction site brings numerous advantages for construction contractors, personnel and nearby residents.
The lead contractor used only fully electric machines for the earthworks and road construction measures in the course of the power grid upgrade project in Rangendingen, Baden-Württemberg. The pilot construction site in Rangendingen is part of the "NETZbaustelle der Zukunft" (GRID Construction Site for the Future) — an ongoing program initiated by Netze BW, the largest grid operator for power, gas and water in Baden-Württemberg. The pilot project served as a test to determine which measures can be used to carry out tomorrow's construction with lower-emissions, less noise and in a more digitalized and safer manner.
E-Machines From Vögele, Hamm
Two new additions to the contractor's fleet were used for the paving and compaction of the asphalt layer: an HD 12e VT tandem roller from Hamm and a Vögele Mini 502e wheeled paver. Both machines work with low noise and zero local operating emissions. As a result, they are the ideal choice for use on urban construction projects with strict emission regulations. Their drive systems and the conveyors, augers and screed heating of the wheeled paver are all-electric and feature particularly low energy consumption.
Power for Up to Two Days of Paving, Compaction
The paver and the roller began their day's work in Rangendingen with batteries fully charged during the night before. The battery of the Mini 502e wheeled paver has a storage capacity of 22 kWh, while the tandem roller has a storage capacity of 23.4 kWh.
Both machines offered sufficient energy for a running time of up to two days of paving and compaction. The paving team also had the opportunity to connect to an on-site power distribution box and familiarize themselves with the charging process. The machine operators were able to read off the current charge level of the respective machines from the displays on the control consoles at any time.
Quick Paving of New Asphalt Layer
The Mini 502e undertook the paving of the 951 ft. long and 3.3 to 4.3 ft. wide surface layer. Controlling and monitoring the paving process was just as easy and convenient as with the diesel-powered models. With a basic paving width of only 3 ft. and working widths from 0.82 ft. to 5.9 ft., it was an ideal choice for the repair work on the narrow and partly winding sidewalk of the Königsberger Strasse. The compact wheeled paver requires little space for maneuvering and has a very small turning circle. The team was therefore able to pave the asphalt surface course efficiently and with quality.
Electrically-Powered Conveyors, Augers
The Mini 502e has a large material hopper with a wide funnel-shaped opening that was fed with material from the side by a wheel loader. This made the transfer of the asphalt mix to the paver a particularly convenient and clean process. The asphalt mix was spread across the entire paving width by two electrically-powered spreading augers.
High Compaction Performance
The Hamm HD 12e VT roller followed on immediately behind the Vögele paver and compacted the paved asphalt. This machine is quiet with a clear and simple handling concept, according to Hamm. Other advantages were the high compaction force and precision of the small electric roller and its ability to compact precisely up to the edges of the paved surface.
As is often the case on smaller construction sites, it also played out its particular strengths as a combination roller. The combination of dynamic compaction via the smooth drum and the kneading and fulling effect of the rubber tires not only enabled rapidly increasing compaction, but also ensured uniform surface sealing.
High Performance With Low Energy Consumption
The paving team drew a positive conclusion after completion of the construction project. According to the paving team, the electrically-powered road pavers and rollers are very powerful, easy to operate and have a minimal energy footprint. They draw power only when they are actually under load, which plays an important role in the achievement of cost-efficient construction processes.
At the same time, the paving team and nearby residents benefit from the low noise levels and zero emission paving.
"We are pleased to be able to contribute to the reduction of noise and environmental impact here on the site through the use of all-electric construction equipment," said Jean-Pierre Liedtke, site manager of Leonhard Weiss.
For more information, visit wirtgen-group.com.
