Zero emissions with a much higher efficiency
Peter de Rooij and Ben van der Vlist from Mourik Techniek, and John Seiffers from Accenda, are three of the driving forces behind our hydrogen-powered excavator. Now, with this electric asphalt roller, they have achieved another first for the zero-emission construction site.
Zero emissions with much higher efficiency
At Mourik, we have set the goal of being fully CO2-neutral by 2050. Mourik Infra is aiming even higher, the ambition is even to achieve zero emissions by 2030. That’s why we are already working hard to make all our equipment, both large and small, more sustainable. The latest headline is this in-house converted, fully electric asphalt roller. The roller is a joint project between Mourik subsidiary Accenda and Mourik Techniek. So what makes it special? John explains: “This isn’t the first electric roller, but… it is the first that can operate at full power for an entire workday. Usually, electric rollers have a hydraulically powered undercarriage. Simply put: you replace the diesel engine with an electric motor, but that’s not efficient. We opted for a direct drive with two motors and a battery pack of 86 kWh. This allows the roller to brake regeneratively. The energy released in the process goes back into the battery. The result is much higher efficiency.”
Working together towards that high-five moment
“For techies like us, it’s always fun to start a project like this,” says Peter. “Even though we know the technology, it’s still a journey of discovery every time. In this case, for example: usually, the electric motor that replaces the diesel engine drives a hydropump, which in turn powers the hydromotor. We eliminated a step in that chain. In our design, the electric motor is placed directly where the hydromotor was. And an electric motor is larger than a hydromotor. How do you make everything fit, without inconveniencing the operator and without changing the external dimensions? That was essential for safety reasons.” Ben adds that the operators’ input made all the difference. “They contributed a lot of good, practical ideas that we could implement: heated mirrors, a bird’s-eye view for better all-around visibility, improved sight lines, and extra comfort thanks to air conditioning. Their input simply made it a better roller. When you involve people, they have a better understanding of the choices made, and it becomes their calling card too. We’ve had that interaction from the start, right through to the field test. Would it work? That’s always a high-five moment.”
How do we shape tomorrow?
“Why tomorrow? We already started yesterday,” says John. “The electrification of the equipment is just the first step. The next challenge is the energy supply for the zero-emission construction site. Do we have enough grid capacity? Green hydrogen can play a role here. Can we produce it ourselves? Then you suddenly have a much better equation. We’re also considering ‘energy hubs’ as junctions for different energy sources: grid power, solar, water, and wind. Finding the right balance in that; that’s the best challenge for me.” It’s clear that no one can figure all this out alone. Peter: “The strength of our team is that we all want to look beyond our own boundaries. Just as we brainstorm with the operators, we exchange ideas with each other too. Everyone has ideas from their own field of expertise. Ben is outstanding in mechanical engineering and implementation, John knows everything about energy systems and sizing. And we have many more specialists in-house. Plenty of brainpower to come up with new solutions.” Will we make it by 2030? Ben thinks so: “I’ve never done it before,” he winks “so I think I can do it.”