Recently, at the assembly yard of the equipment maintenance center in Zhunneng Group’s Ha’erwusu Mine, two cranes smoothly placed the chassis beam of the electric shovel onto its support device, marking the official beginning of the assembly of the world’s first permanent magnet direct-drive WK-55 electric shovel.
The electric shovel is a major scientific research and application project jointly developed by Zhunneng Group and Taiyuan Heavy Industry Co., Ltd., making it the world’s first WK-55 electric shovel with a permanent magnet direct-drive system. The traditional hoisting and swinging structure of the shovel’s drive system has been replaced with a “permanent magnet motor + drum” direct-drive system. In addition, the original Siemens 6SE70 electrical control system was replaced by a new multi-drive frequency conversion system, improving the transmission efficiency of the electric shovel by 15% to 20%, eliminating vibrations caused by the original hoist gearbox, and enhancing the reliability of the structural components and electrical systems.
In preparation for the assembly, Zhunneng Group closely monitored the delivery of materials and parts, ensuring thorough inspection and proper storage of all components. All assembly personnel have received comprehensive training to clarify responsibilities and ensure unified management, guaranteeing the scheduled completion of the assembly.
The electric shovel is scheduled for assembly and commissioning by the end of October. Upon completion, the power of a single motor will increase from 750 kW to 1400 kW, with ultra-low speeds of just over ten revolutions per minute to produce over one million Newton meters of torque. This allows the shovel to lift loads of 300 tonnes, endure impacts of over ten times gravitational acceleration and withstand axial shocks during tipping, eliminating transmission system malfunctions like shovel gearbox vibrations and oil leaks and ensuring that the overall technical specifications will meet international advanced standards.
