Komatsu testing hydrogen combustion engine with flagship dump truck

Komatsu has developed a concept machine by equipping its flagship large dump truck, the HD785 with a max payload of approximately 92 metric tons, with a hydrogen combustion engine.

The company has commenced proof-of-concept tests at its Ibaraki Plant in Hitachinaka City, Ibaraki Prefecture, which Komatsu claims is a world first attempt at equipping a dump truck of this size with a hydrogen combustion engine.

Through these tests, Komatsu aims to gather knowledge on hydrogen engine utilisation, laying the foundation for future development of hydrogen-powered construction and mining equipment.

For the project, Komatsu worked with German startup company, KEYOU GmbH, which specialises in the development and implementation of hydrogen engines for large trucks. Komatsu’s concept machine is equipped with a hydrogen combustion engine and hydrogen tank system, co-developed by Komatsu and KEYOU.

The hydrogen tank is mounted on a platform beside the operator’s cab to maximise hydrogen storage capacity. Cameras and monitors are installed both inside and outside the cab for optimum visibility.

The proof-of-concept tests will focus on evaluating driving performance, continuous operating hours, fuel efficiency, and verifying safety measures related to high-pressure hydrogen gas usage.

Compared to batteries and hydrogen fuel cells, the use of hydrogen combustion engines in construction and mining equipment has the advantage of a relatively lower cost, because the power-train components of existing diesel-powered machines can be used without replacement, Komatsu said.

The engines also produce virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions, with some mining customers already expressing interest in adopting hydrogen engines to achieve carbon neutrality at their sites, Komatsu said.

“While there are challenges such as safety management and infrastructure for hydrogen supply, Komatsu will work to address these issues in collaboration with industry associations and other related stakeholders,” the company said.

This latest venture is just another step Komatsu is taking in order to realise its goal of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50 per cent from its products and in its production operations, each by 2030 (compared to 2010 levels), with the ultimate target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

To date, the company has introduced hydraulic excavators, tethered electric hydraulic excavators, and small and medium-sized battery-powered hydraulic excavators to the market.

In addition, Komatsu is working on various environmentally responsive technologies from all aspects, including the utilisation of carbon-neutral fuels, the development of power supply systems for battery-equipped construction equipment, proof-of-concept tests for hydrogen fuel cell-powered excavator, and the development of a power agnostic truck.