Normet defines the future of underground transportation by launching the innovative Normet ElectroDynamic® (ED) architecture and the XL ED platform

THE NEW NORMET ELECTRODYNAMIC® TECHNOLOGY – THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

By combining the best features of our battery-electric Normet SmartDrive® platform and state-of-the-art low-emission engine technology, the Normet ElectroDynamic® architecture allows for increased payload capacity with astonishingly compact outer dimensions while also ensuring superior driving dynamics, high performance, superb fuel efficiency and less need for maintenance.

A key element of the ElectroDynamic technology is that the need for drive shaft and gearbox is eliminated through driving the externally cooled mining axles with permanent magnet motors in a highly efficient direct-drive configuration. This not only renders a low and compact load end design, instant torque and economical electric retardation possible, but also significantly increases component lifetime.

“As we were developing our battery-electric SmartDrive equipment, we quickly realized that we can actually remove the drive shaft and gearbox from engine powered equipment as well. This is monumental, because now we can utilize the space where the drive shaft used to be for increased payload capacity. This was achieved by utilizing electric motors at the axles powered by a low emission engine-generator set. What is more, we have years of experience with all the components used in the architecture not only from our SmartDrive equipment, but also from our engine powered equipment” states Samu Kukkonen, Technology Director at Normet.

[image] By eliminating the need for a drive shaft, Normet ElectroDynamic® architecture allows for a high carrying capacity with compact outer dimensions.

One pedal for a one-of-a-kind underground driving experience

Normet ElectroDynamic® architecture also enables one-pedal driving, where the vehicle automatically controls both acceleration and deceleration with the operator’s accelerator pedal input. Additionally, our advanced front axle suspension system and the new Normet 180° cabin with improved ergonomics and visibility set new industry standards for operator safety and comfort.

UTIMEC XL ED OFFERING – HIGH-CAPACITY UNDERGROUND TRANSPORTATION WITH INCREDIBLY COMPACT OUTER DIMENSIONS

The completely new Utimec XL ED carrier is designed for heavy-duty underground transportation applications with its remarkable payload capacity of 24 tonnes. All models in the XL ED offering are built on the new Normet ElectroDynamic® technology.

Built with some of the highest-quality powertrain components and robust frame structures, all XL ED units are powered with direct-drive electric motors, Volvo Penta engines with Stage V emission rating, enabling clean and efficient operation.

The first application: Utimec XL 1100 Agitator ED

Utimec XL 1100 Agitator ED with a practical concrete transportation capacity of 10.5 m³ is designed for concrete transportation in underground mines and tunnels with a minimum tramming height of 3.3 meters.

Tailor-made for harsh underground conditions, the vehicle is equipped with a voluminous, wear-resistant and remote-controllable concrete drum and a hydraulically operated discharging chute, allowing for more versatile vehicle positioning. Both mixing and unloading are controlled electrically and can be operated with zero local emissions by plugging the machine into the mine's power grid. This increases operator comfort by significantly reducing heat output and noise and by eliminating underground emissions.

Moreover, the XL 1100 Agitator ED comes with a spectrum of useful features such as both front and rear support legs to ensure maximum operating stability, a form oil system to effectively prevent concrete from adhering to the vehicle’s surfaces and a high-pressure washer with a 500-litre on-board water tank. The new Utimec XL 1100 Agitator ED is guaranteed to provide you with concrete results in concrete transportation.

[image] The first application, Utimec XL 1100 Agitator ED has endured 1.5 years of rigorous durability testing at both Normet’s factory in Iisalmi and Pyhäsalmi mine, Finland.

THE IDEAL SOLUTION TO A CUSTOMER NEED

Concrete agitators are especially popular in Australia, where our customers are constantly looking for innovative solutions and technologies to improve their productivity. However, the combination of long driving distances and high demands for vehicles’ carrying capacities has until now, posed a problem – larger machines reduce underground traffic and make daily operation more efficient, but the size and tramming height of tunnels naturally set maximum limits for those of underground equipment, too.

Allowing for both high-capacity transportation applications and astonishingly compact outer dimensions, the new XL ED offering is the ideal, purpose-built solution to this dilemma. Last year, Redpath Australia representatives visited our factory in Iisalmi, Finland, to see and feel the XL ED prototype. As one of the world leaders in safety and innovations in mining practices, the company was impressed by the value the XL 1100 could provide, and we are more than pleased to announce that several XL 1100 Agitator EDs will be delivered to one of Redpath’s operations this year.

INNOVATING FOR PERFORMANCE

We are immensely proud of the new Normet ElectroDynamic® technology and the XL offering, both reflecting our passion for continuously developing innovative solutions and technologies to meet and exceed customer and industry expectations for safety, productivity, and sustainability. Designed and built to minimize its environmental impact as a key driver, Normet’s broad equipment offering pioneers the transformation into greener underground operations.