Get FinancingCaterpillar Introduces MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger For Underground Mining
Caterpillar recently announced its Cat MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger designed for the underground mining industry. The mobile charger is a first for the industry and is equipped with a durable skid mount and integrated forklift eyes to allow it to be moved where equipment is working by towing, forklift, or overhead lift. The 3,527-pound (1600-kilogram) MEC500 is a cost-effective alternative to expensive static charging station infrastructure and spare batteries, and it saves crews from constant battery handling and swapping.
About The MEC500
The charger operates at an altitude range of 11,800 feet (3,600 meters) above to 14,700 ft (4,500 m) below ground and delivers 500 kilowatts of charging and connector capability. With a range of 300 to 1,000 volts and current output up to 700 amperes, the fast charger can be used as a single unit to deliver a full charge to the battery-electric Cat R1700 XE LHD in under 30 minutes. Operators can achieve ultrafast charging by connecting two units in parallel to charge the LHD in fewer than 20 minutes. The MEC500’s adjustable output voltage and current can trickle charge the battery to maintain optimal performance. The integrated Cat radiator with two on-demand fans anchor the sealed air conditioning and dehumidification systems for unit cooling. The MEC500 is isolation-mounted to the skid base and built to withstand high vibration, seismic, and shock loading frequently experienced in mines.
Monitor Charging
All charging functions can be monitored and managed either from the MEC500’s keypad or the cab of the machine being charged, which is instantly recognized by the charger. The charger’s display also provides diagnostics and troubleshooting information. The communication between the machines dictates the exact amount of charge needed to support battery longevity. The R1700 XE’s charging port continuously monitors temperature, voltage, and current, which are communicated to the operator through the in-cab display and audible warnings in the event of a problem.
The MEC500’s six-function keypad not only manages charging, but also performs a prior short-circuit and insulation-resistance check on the cable. Built-in line insulation monitors on AC input and DC output lines automatically coordinate when parallel charging for uninterrupted ground fault protection. The charging cable is made of lightweight, military-grade aluminum and is metal jacketed for extra protection. It is available in 32.8- or 49.2-ft (10- or 15-m) lengths. The MEC500 also has military-grade lift eyes to allow it to be lowered down a mineshaft.
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Source: Caterpillar