Structure dynamics analysis of a swappable battery pack for construction equipment machinery

Sammanfattning

Battery swap solutions are relatively new to the construction equipment sector. It offers advantages to contemporary electric vehicles, such as shorter downtime for recharging and separating service life between battery and machine. Although, swap solutions are not without their downsides. Separating the battery from the machine introduces challenges from a mechanical-environmental engineering perspective, where vibrations inherent to the intended operative environment must be considered, to ensure sufficient battery performance and health.This report covers a structure dynamics analysis of a concept solution for a swappable battery pack. The concept was developed by Volvo Construction Equipment intended for wheel loaders. It was examined using shock response spectrum, modal and transient structural analysis to conclude whether the battery modules’ technical requirements are upheld during intended use. Evaluation was performed experimentally and virtually, through measurements on a constructed prototype and calculations using a simulation model. The measurements were gathered and analyzed using Siemens Testlab. The simulation model was built and analyzed using Ansys Mechanical.A summary of the research questions is whether the concept offers sufficient vibration resistance and whether the calculations and measurements agree to an extent that yield credible results. This report found that the concept does not achieve sufficient vibration resistance for its intended operative environments, but that it can be dismounted and placed on the ground safely.