Working with heavy equipment at higher altitudes is nothing less than a Herculean task. Sometimes, the atmosphere up there becomes unattainable which may cause trouble for the conventional engines of the heavy equipment. You must understand how these machines behave at higher altitudes before starting working up there. when compared to conventional diesel combustion engines, battery-powered construction equipment performs better. The differences in efficiency become more obvious as the terrain rises the air becomes thinner, and the benefits of electric equipment become more apparent.
Power Loss at Altitude
Traditional internal combustion (IC) engines, particularly those using natural aspiration, have power reduction when operating at higher altitudes. A naturally aspirated IC engine’s power decreases by 3% for every 1,000 feet above sea level. Even turbocharged engines experience diminished performance at altitude, despite being better suited to reduce this power loss. Turbocharged engines can lose more than 9% of their output at an altitude of 6,000 feet, and in extreme circumstances, losses have reached 20%.
Performance and Availability of Oxygen
Higher altitude power loss is mostly related to reduced air density and a resulting decrease in oxygen supply. It especially happens with old and used equipment such as a used motor grader. Diesel engines are vulnerable to reduced oxygen levels at altitude since they depend on the intake of air and oxygen for burning. As a result, there is a reduction in power production and an overall drop in efficiency.
Consistent Power and Torque Delivery
At higher elevations, electric engines can efficiently distribute power and torque to the machine. Hence electric machines, unlike their diesel equivalents, are unaffected by the thinning air and provide constant power and torque no matter the altitude. This stability is a significant benefit, particularly in applications that require consistent performance at different altitudes.
Environmental Effects and Noise Issues
Due to lower dispersion at higher altitudes, diesel engine emissions and noise might have a more noticeable effect. However, electric heavy equipment is a more environmentally beneficial option because it runs quietly and produces no exhaust emissions. Projects in fragile places, such as mountainous regions and parks, might benefit greatly from this quality.
Operating and Maintenance Costs
Regular maintenance is essential for diesel engines because higher altitudes cause them to perform less well. On the other side, electric machines require less maintenance because they have fewer moving parts. In addition, avoiding diesel fuel lowers the cost of refuelling, increasing total cost-effectiveness.
Solutions for Charging in Remote Areas
A variety of heavy equipment charging methods are available to address issues regarding machine charging in remote locations. These technologies guarantee that electric machines can function without interruption at remote job sites, eliminating the drawbacks sometimes linked with electric machinery.
Making a Decision: Diesel vs. Electric
Therefore, both electric and diesel construction equipment can function at high elevations but with little variations in effectiveness. Electric equipment, however, offers many advantages. It remains operating steadily and does not suffer from altitude-related power loss. Also, it is less expensive to run and better for the environment. As a result, electric heavy equipment is a wise and environmentally responsible decision for the future. Consider the advantages of electric machinery, such as less impact on the environment, consistent performance, and lower operating costs, when deciding which kind of equipment to use for projects at higher elevations.