by Kyle Molyneux | Tue 25 Oct 2022
Liebherr hydrogen excavator wins award
The jury have made their decision: The 2022 bauma Innovation Award in the climate protection category goes to the Liebherr R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator – the manufacturer’s first hydraulic excavator powered by a hydrogen-fuelled engine. The prototype was developed by Liebherr-France SAS, based in Colmar, France. The machine is powered by an H966 hydrogen combustion engine. It was produced at Liebherr Machines Bulle SA, the Liebherr Group’s engine competence centre in the Swiss canton of Fribourg.
In terms of power, dynamics and responsiveness, the R 9XX H2 hydrogen excavator gives nothing away to any conventionally powered machine, reckons its makers. Nor is it dependent on a continuous energy supply either. The emissions make the difference: On a ‘tank to wheel’ basis. In other words, when used on a construction site, a hydrogen excavator emits almost no CO2.
‘Cradle to grave” or from production to decommissioning, CO2 emissions are 70% lower than those of comparable conventionally powered excavators. Suitable for use under extreme temperatures, shock, and high-dust conditions on construction sites, the 50-tonne R 9XX H2 may in future offer a robust solution for earthworks and quarrying applications.
The R 9XX H2 is powered by a Liebherr H966 hydrogen combustion engine. The engine has six cylinders and uses port fuel injection (PFI), which Liebherr employs along with direct injection (DI) for its hydrogen engines. Liebherr’s components product segment plans to start with the series production of hydrogen motors by 2025.
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