Hybridization Factor and Performance of Hybrid Electric Telehandler Vehicle

In this paper, comparison between simulation and experimental testing of an electric hybrid telehandler vehicle is presented. A new hybridization factor for working vehicles is introduced, taking into account driving and loading power, to classify the hybrid architecture choices. The research is inserted in the frame of a cooperation project between Politecnico di Italy, and Merlo SPA, Italy, main Italian telehandler producer. The numerical model built in MATLAB/SIMULINK is used to simulate the performance level of the vehicle in different working conditions in order to study a typical telehandler cycle. The comparison between experimental and simulated results shows a very good agreement in different operating conditions. Performance level of the electric hybrid vehicle satisfies the requirements and reaches the same level of a conventional telescopic machine, but with a remarkable reduction of energy and consequently fuel consumption.