Development of hybrid powered hydraulic construction machinery

Facing the environment problems, the improvement on the efficiency of the construction machinery such as the excavator and wheel loader is highly demanded. The hybrid power systems used in automobiles have been adapted into the construction machinery. This paper first analyzes the difference between the hybrid powered automobile vehicle and the hybrid powered construction machinery. The research and development of the hybrid power systems and energy regeneration systems of construction machinery are reviewed, and the applications of hybrid systems in construction machinery are presented. Finally, the challenges facing the researchers and the construction machinery manufacturers are discussed. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.