Pedno takes advantage of the assistance program for technological intensification to develop an electric propulsion system for mining vehicles.
Pedno, a Saguenay company that has been working in the forestry and construction industry for 15 years, is an excellent example of an innovative enterprise. Aware of mining operators' needs in light of extremely high underground ventilation costs, Pedno started developing an underground electric vehicle designed for passenger transport in mines.
It was a serious challenge! No such vehicle existed on the market. The specifications for the vehicle were highly demanding: a harsh environment, inclines of up to 26%, speeds up to 20 km/h horizontally and on the incline, kinetic energy recovery during descent and braking, four-wheel drive and more than 40 km of autonomy.
Pedno called upon the expertise of ITAQ to develop the electric propulsion for the vehicle. "Since then, ITAQ has given excellent support, completely free of charge, in preparing a grant application for nearly $50,000," Mr. Duperré, President of Pedno, said enthusiastically. The assistance program for technological intensification from the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade (Quebec) covered all of ITAQ's fees for this project.
"Following the development and prototype phase, tests were carried out on a dynamometer to confirm the demand for current on steep slopes,” recalled Sabin Tremblay, manager of the project at Pedno. “Then the vehicle was instrumented and tested under difficult off-road conditions to make adjustments."
"We are now ready to start tests in a mine," added François Adam, electrical engineer at ITAQ, noting that he is very proud of the great teamwork involved in completing the project.
This project is a great technological and financial success. The ministry's assistance for innovative projects is very attractive.
"SMEs that want to innovate should go to the CCTT for their area before starting," advised Véronique Lamy, project and communication coordinator at ITAQ. "They can reap incredible benefits, targeted expertise, attention and advice, and financial assistance as well."
ITAQ will present this project at the upcoming EV 2010 Show in Vancouver.
Notes :
Photo credit Sabin Tremblay/Pedno
Text distributed by approval from Pedno
In partnership with the Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade (Quebec), ITAQ is planning a technical-economic mission to the 25th International Electric, Hybrid, and Combustible Battery Vehicle Show (EVS-25), which will take place in Shenzhen, China, November 5-9, 2010.
