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From Hybrid to Fully Electric

• Transformation needs flexibility: ZF invests in hybrid drivetrain technologies and introduces TraXon 2 Hybrid to further support the decarbonization of commercial vehicles

• Decarbonization beyond the drivetrain: trailer and power take-off technologies also in focus

• Electrification portfolio: ZF anticipates global demand

Friedrichshafen, Germany. ZF continues to lead the charge towards developing innovative technologies to make commercial vehicles more sustainable. As the industry undergoes its greatest transformation since the invention of the internal combustion engine, ZF will continue to set the pace of innovation by actively responding to customer needs with a full-flex portfolio.

The company will showcase as such during this year’s IAA Transportation in Hanover, Germany, from September 17th-22nd.

As the world’s largest component and system supplier with the broadest portfolio to the commercial vehicle industry, ZF is well positioned to provide the technical expertise, manufacturing flexibility and cross-divisional technology transfer needed to provide cost-effective solutions. ZF anticipates that customer demand for e-mobility to grow over the next few years.

Hybrid technologies

ZF is investing in hybrid drivetrain technologies as a rapid solution to reduce commercial vehicle emissions. ZF’s latest variant of its successful TraXon 2 transmission, the TraXon 2 Hybrid, is a new concept that effectively enables OEMs to incorporate hybrid technology into their existing design platforms with reduced effort and complexity. The system facilitates clean, safe and efficient mobility, while bringing total cost of ownership (TCO) benefits.
Hybrid technologies offer significant emissions reduction potential while retaining many of the advantages terms of range and refilling capabilities. With its extensive experience in developing hybrid technologies for passenger cars, ZF is able to leverage its technical and industrial capabilities to develop viable, cost-effective hybrid solutions.

Zero emissions technologies: ZF’s E-Mobility Kit

ZF’s family of next generation electric drives provides all the elements manufacturers need to electrify their vehicles. ZF’s E-Mobility Kit employs a unique modular approach, seamlessly integrating components to create a compact, lightweight and powerful system. ZF’s in-house development of key components, including inverters, e-motors, transmissions, e-actuators, and electronic control units including software, allows them to tailor e-drive solutions to the unique specifications of OEM customers across various vehicle applications.

Catering to a wide range of customer requirements, ZF’s kit includes a central drive platform – the CeTrax 2 dual and CeTrax 2 – which can slot into the same space as a conventional transmission, as well as an axle drive platform – the AxTrax 2 dual and AxTrax 2 – which sits closer to the wheels, providing greater design flexibility.

OEMs have the flexibility to use complete e-drive systems from ZF or integrate individual components, software, or subsystems. This versatility facilitates a smooth transition to electric mobility, offering electric drive solutions that can either be easily integrated into existing vehicle platforms or provide additional design flexibility to meet various applications.

Electrified Trailers

The trailer will play an increasingly significant role in helping to decarbonize road freight transport, whether hauled by an ICE or electric truck. ZF’s electric trailer concept, which integrates its in-house developed AxTrax 2 e-Axle together with its trailer EBS and battery system box into a trailer, effectively converts an ICE powered truck into a hybrid. In the case of an electric vehicle, the electric trailer concept effectively extends the vehicle’s range.

When pulled by an ICE, the technology can help reduce CO2 emissions by up to 16% through recuperation, while up to 40% with the plug-in-hybrid solution. The concept is possible thanks to the development of ZF’s latest electrified traction axle, the AxTrax 2, which was originally designed for trucks, buses and coaches. Integrating its e-mobility technologies such as the AxTrax 2 combined with ZF´s leading expertise in braking control systems demonstrates how ZF applies its technical-transfer capabilities to meet a wide range of applications effectively.

eWorX

ZF also excels in the domain of electrified power-take off solutions (ePTO). ZF’s eWorX integrates components including a 50-kW e-motor, inverter and electronic control unit with application-specific software. eWorX powers a range of equipment including hook lifters, skip loaders or loading cranes installed on electric commercial vehicles. Developed in close collaboration with OEMs and body manufacturers, the concept is proving highly successful with demand for eWorX products expected to double over the next few years.

ZF’s latest version of eWorX is integrated into the frame of the truck and uses the truck’s cooling system. The innovative design reduces installation space and allows the system to be used in a wider range of vehicle applications. Additionally, ZF will soon introduce a next generation to the ZF eWorX family with a 70 kW, 800 V, cyber security capable drive for electric power take-off solutions as well as a multifunctional, bidirectional I/O device to power applications on electrified commercial vehicles.

Photo: World premiere: Speeding up decarbonization with the new TraXon 2 Hybrid transmission system for heavy commercial vehicles.

To read previous ZF posts click here.

 

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The post ZF – Full Portfolio for the Decarbonization of Road Transportation: From Hybrid to Fully Electric appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Gatineau, Quebec – The Canadian Woodlands Forum flagship event, DEMO International will be moving into the Venosta, Quebec forest region later this month. DEMO International is one of North America’s largest and unique LIVE in-woods forest equipment expos. 2024 will mark the event’s 14th edition and will be taking place September 19th through 21st.

“We can’t be more thrilled to get this event off the ground.” Said National Show Manager, Mark Cusack. “The planning process has been extensive so it’s exciting to see some of the larger equipment finally start to roll in.”

Visitors can look forward to seeing over $100 million in forestry equipment and machines on display from top manufacturers and suppliers internationally. The DEMO route is over 3.2 kms long and will showcase both large- and small-scale equipment including forest harvesting, forwarding, biomass, firewood processors and more.

Registration is available now online for those interested in attending. Pre-registration is just $40+tax per person for a one-day pass (one day pass will be $60 at the door, three-day pass will be $80 at the door)

There will also be a Log Loader competition presented by Barko and Équipments Marquis. Guests wanting to test their skills will have the opportunity to compete over the 3-day event.

There will also be a 2-day technical conference in conjunction with the event held at the Delta Ottawa City Centre. Organized by the Canadian Woodlands Forum in collaboration with the Canadian Wood Fibre Centre, FP Innovations, and Université Laval, the DEMO International conference’s theme is “Adapting to New Forestry: Unlocking Innovative Solutions.” Register HERE to be part of the conference.

For complete details and updates on DEMO International, please visit the show’s website at www.demointernational.com or find the show on Facebook or Instagram.

SHOW INFORMATION

Thursday, Sept. 19: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday, Sept. 20: 9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, Sept. 21: 9 am – 4 pm

Social Media:

• Twitter: @DemoIntl
• Facebook: @DEMOIntl
• Instagram: @DemoInternational

To read previous DEMO International posts click here.

 

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Ce mois, DEMO International s’installe à Vénosta, au Québec

Gatineau, Québec – L’évènement phare du Forum canadien des opérations forestières, DEMO International, prendra en charge la région forestière de Vénosta, Québec plus tard ce mois-ci. DEMO® International est l’un des salons d’équipement forestier LIVE et en forêt les plus impressionnant et uniques en Amérique du Nord.  2024 marquera la 14ème édition et se déroulera du 19 au 21 septembre.

« Nous ne pourrions pas être plus enthousiastes pour le démarrage de cet évènement. » A dit Mark Cusack, Directeur national de salon. « Le processus de planification a été long donc nous sommes ravis de voir certains des plus gros équipements commencer enfin à arriver. »

Les visiteurs peuvent s’attendre à voir plus de 100 millions de dollars en équipement de foresterie et des machines en expositions provenant de fabricants et fournisseurs au premier rang de l’industrie international.  La route DEMO s’étend sur plus de 3.2 kms et présentera des équipements à petite et grande échelle, notamment pour l’abattage, la transportation, la biomasse, la transformation de bois de chauffage, etc.

Pour ceux qui sont intéressés, l’inscription en ligne est disponible maintenant . Le coût de préinscription est de 40$ + taxes par personne pour un laissez-passer d’une journée (le laissez-passer d’une journée sera 60$ à l’entrée, le laissez-passer de trois jours sera de 80$ à l’entrée).

Il y aura également une compétition de chargeuse à bois présentée par Barko et Équipments Marquis. Les invités qui souhaitent mettre leurs habiletés à l’épreuve auront l’occasion de participer à la compétition lors de l’évènement de 3 jours.

De plus, il y aura une conférence technique de deux jours précédant le salon qui se tiendra au Delta Ottawa City Centre. Organisée par le Forum canadien des forêts en collaboration avec le Centre canadien sur la fibre de bois, FP Innovations et l’Université Laval, la conférence DEMO International a pour thème « Adaptation à la nouvelle Foresterie : Débloquer des solutions innovantes ». Inscrivez-vous ICI pour participer à la conférence.

Pour obtenir tous les détails et toutes les mises à jour concernant DEMO International, veuillez consulter le site web du salon à www.demointernational.com ou retrouvez le salon sur Facebook ou Instagram.

INFORMATIONS POUR LE SALON

Jeudi le 19 sept: 9h – 17h
Vendredi le 20 sept: 9h – 17h
Samedi le 21 sept: 9h – 16h 

Médias Sociaux:

• Twitter: @DemoIntl
• Facebook: @DEMOIntl
• Instagram: @DemoInternational

The post DEMO International Moves Into Venosta, Quebec This Month appeared first on International Forest Industries.

Wesbeam has been named 2024 Supplier of the Year Award at the Big River Group in Brisbane. Source: Timberbiz The Big River Group presented Wesbeam with the following commendation: “Overall, this supplier has shown a commitment to supporting Big River Group through our Construction and Formwork & Commercial businesses that is unequalled. They have responded to all our requests for support in what is a very di1icult market. They have engaged with our branches to ensure Big River Group is in the best possible position to win every opportunity.” Big River Group holds a national conference every two years, where Supplier of the Year and other internal awards are presented. “We aim to exceed the expectations of our customers, and having suppliers such as Wesbeam partner with us, allows us to continue to grow our teams and businesses across Australia,” Ray Ferretti, Executive General Manager – Construction Big River Group said. “As we move forward, Wesbeam remains committed to supporting Big River Group and exceeding their expectations, ensuring that the partnership continues to flourish.”    

OneFortyOne has shared a new video, showcasing how the redeveloped Glencoe Nursery is repurposing waste products to protect precious resources. Source: Timberbiz The Glencoe Nursery is a crucial link in the supply chain for growers across the Green Triangle. Officially opened in April 2024 by Clare Scriven, South Australian Minister for Forest Industries, OneFortyOne’s $8million investment in the redevelopment enables production of an additional 4 million seedlings each season, while reducing water and chemical usage. This significant private investment underscores OneFortyOne’s commitment to a sustainable future for the region’s thriving forestry sector – and the thousands of jobs it supports. The team at Glencoe have focussed on circular practices, repurposing waste products from across the industry as valuable materials to raise the next generation of trees. The Nursery’s growing medium is made from waste bark recovered from OneFortyOne’s Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier, transformed into a valuable product by local business Van Schaik’s Bio Gro. The team is now trialling the use of nutrient-rich wastewater from the sawmill’s Continuous Drying Kilns to irrigate and fertilise seedlings. Early indicators suggest the water’s natural acidity could be ideal for pine seedlings, potentially reducing the need for water additives at the Nursery. Watch the short video to learn more about these key circularity initiatives and their contribution to reducing the Nursery’s environmental impact HERE.

New industry forecasts released by Master Builders Australia show New South Wales has unfortunately moved further away from achieving its Housing Accord target of 377,000 new homes. Source: Timberbiz Five months after the first forecasts covering the full five-year Accord period, NSW is projected to increase its housing shortfall from 28,950 to over 73,700 homes. From 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2029, Master Builders forecasts 303,280 new home starts, 19.6 per cent lower than the Accord target. Master Builders Association of NSW Executive Director Brian Seidler said the April forecast downgrade reflects the ongoing struggle to control inflation, persistently high interest rates, and ongoing supply constraints in the residential building sector. “While we expect a gradual market recovery in the coming years as broader economic conditions improve, more needs to be done to address the housing shortfall,” he said. “All levels of government have acknowledged the challenges around planning, workforce, and productivity. We must ensure that momentum is maintained in these critical areas. “Industry productivity has declined by 18 per cent over the last decade. State governments must expedite planning reforms to cut the excessive costs and long timelines associated with construction. “Workforce shortages remain the most significant challenge across all sectors of the industry. “At the Federal level, the Government’s focus should be on expanding the building and construction workforce, with a combination of domestic and skilled migration solutions. “Domestically, we can’t fill this gap alone. We need innovative approaches, including better apprenticeship incentives, reskilling migrants already in Australia, and launching an international campaign to attract skilled tradespeople. “Higher-density construction will play a critical role in meeting housing targets and addressing the housing and rental crisis. “Since the pandemic, build times for these projects have increased by around 20 per cent from approval to completion, while costs have surged by approximately 40 per cent. “Inflation is undermining our capacity. Governments need to accelerate efforts to alleviate these supply chain bottlenecks,” said Mr Seidler. On a positive note, the non-residential and civil construction sectors are continuing to expand, contributing to economic growth. Non-residential building activity is expected to perform well over the next five years, with a projected increase of 2.2 per cent by June 2024. The civil construction sector is forecast to grow by a substantial 26 per cent, driven primarily by transport and utilities projects. “Ongoing investment and support across the entire built environment are crucial,” Mr Seidler said. “We can’t meet our housing needs without the necessary commercial and civil infrastructure, including critical utilities. “Builders are ready to meet the challenge, but the obstacles in the way must be removed to ensure we get the job done.” A copy of the forecasts can be found HERE.

TAFE NSW is helping local State Emergency Service (SES) volunteers sharpen their chainsaw skills and better protect the community in a crisis. Source: Timberbiz A special two-day course was recently held with TAFE NSW forestry teacher and experienced forester Adam Farquharson, arming local SES volunteers with the hands-on skills to better operate and maintain chainsaws. The masterclass was part of a statewide program that will see up to 500 SES volunteers earn a Statement of Attainment in Chainsaw Operation – Trim and Cut. “This course is giving SES volunteers the practical skills and experience to better protect communities and aid in their recovery, particularly after serious storms,” Mr Farquharson said. “They learned how to maintain and sharpen chainsaws, and how to safely use a chainsaw and polesaw to prevent injuries. “This will ensure graduates can safely remove and carve trees and branches in a potentially hazardous environment.” Mr Farquharson said the course was contextualised to simulate real-world scenarios volunteers are likely to face. “For example, to closely simulate a disaster scenario where a fallen tree is above a home, we placed large fallen branches across another structure and asked students to problem solve how to safely remove it,” he said. Moruya SES volunteer Tom Samal, who spent 32 years working at Foreign Affairs and Trade before retiring to Broulee in 2016, said skills learned at the course would ensure he was better equipped in future storm emergencies. “It was a very comprehensive course in cross-cut chainsawing and had the theory and practical side, which are both critical in our storm management area,” Mr Samal said. “It’s given me the opportunity to put into practice my chainsaw skills and also make an assessment on how to tackle a job.” NSW SES data has revealed severe thunderstorms, which typically peak during the spring and summer months, are the most damaging types of storms in NSW. The NSW SES Southern Zone responded to more than 1200 (1216) storm related incidents last storm season. The SES has more than 10,000 volunteers and provides emergency assistance to the people of NSW, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Seventeen former native timber harvest and haulage crews, who entered into Victorian Government contracts on July 1 to undertake forest and fire management works, have been sitting idle – while being paid 70 per cent of their monthly rate, according to The Weekly Times. Source: Weekly Times And The Weekly Times says much of the holdup is due to the failure of government to undertake planning and survey work prior to fuel reduction burns and fire breaks being cleared. That failure comes despite the government having had more than 16 months to prepare, after Treasurer Tim Pallas announced in May last year that native timber harvesting would come to an early end this year. “We have blokes who want to go to work,” one contractor told The Weekly Times. “They don’t want to sit around. No-one’s got work. All they’ve got is four pissy-little jobs for us in October – for 17 contractors.” As it stands, contractors say it will take Forest Fire Management Victoria months to get surveys of frogs, gliders and other species completed as well as cultural heritage assessments. One contractor told The Weekly Times that while July and August are traditionally quieter months, due to normally wet conditions, his crew could have been out clearing overgrown fire access tracks. Each five-year forest and fire management works contract guarantees operators 1000hrs of work per year for each machine they operate (usually three), with annual payments of $800,000 to $1 million. Given contractors must still pay their workers and finance on machinery, the government has guaranteed them about 70 per cent of their monthly payment, whether they work or not. Further complicating the issue is a federal-court case being brought against FFMVic by the Warburton Environment group for clearing hollow-bearing trees, based on the risk of harming Leadbeater’s Possum, Southern Greater and Yellow-Bellied Gliders. The case is due to be heard by the Federal Court on September 18. FFMVic has a policy of clearing hazardous trees along fire tracks and breaks, due to the risk to firefighters and its own workers. Asked what plans are in place to get contractors out and working, a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action spokesman told The Weekly Times: “this spring, under the guidance and oversight of trained DEECA staff, contractors will build and maintain strategic fuel breaks, roads and tracks, as well as treat hazardous trees and prepare for planned burning. “They also help with regeneration and recovery works following storms or other emergency events,” the spokesman said. “The Victorian Government’s $362 million investment the in the Forest Contractor Program, ensures contractors with special skills, expertise and equipment are available for frontline response in the event of bushfires or other emergencies.”

The Federal Government has taken another important step in preventing trans-border environmental crime with a Bill to more effectively combat illegally logged timber from entering the Australian market passing the Parliament. Source: Timberbiz The Illegal Logging Prohibition Amendment (Strengthening Measures to Prevent Illegal Timber Trade) Bill 2024 implements new timber testing powers, trialled under the Government’s recent $4.4m initiative. It will help trace illegally logged timber right back to its source, and provide greater control at the border through new notice requirements and stricter penalties for those who do the wrong thing. The Bill provides for the replacement of the Illegal Logging Prohibition Regulation 2012, set to expire in 2025, with the Illegal Logging Prohibition Rules 2024 under development. The new rules will streamline the due diligence process for timber importers and processors while effectively combatting illegally logged timber from entering the market. Around 10 per cent of timber imported to Australia was estimated to be illegally logged before Australia first introduced its illegal logging prohibition laws in 2012. Illegal imports impact our local forest growers and can undercut the prices of sustainable timber by 7 to 16 per cent. “The passing of this Bill demonstrates the Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to combating illegal logging,” Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins said. “Illegal logging not only has devastating environmental impacts and undercuts legitimate industry – it is the fourth largest illegal trade worldwide after arms, drugs and human trafficking, and it is frequently linked to other criminal activity. “This is about more than local protections – it’s about discouraging criminal activity and the misery that follows in its wake,” she said. Australian Forest Products Association Chief Executive Officer Diana Hallam said illegal timber not only undermined the environmental sustainability of the forest products industry, but also undermined our domestic biosecurity protections that safeguard Australia’s environment. “AFPA supports the strengthening of the illegal logging laws to ensure Australia has a robust regime that requires importing businesses to source timber harvested from legal sources using sustainable practices,” she said. “We thank the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Julie Collins, and the Assistant Minister Senator Anthony Chisholm, for the work they have undertaken to give effect to the new laws. “We also thank Opposition Spokesman Senator Jono Duniam for listening to industry concerns and working with the government in a constructive, bipartisan approach.” Ms Hallam said the reforms were particularly timely. She said that off the back of the native forestry industry closures in Victoria and Western Australia, Australia had seen a considerable increase in the volume of imported hardwoods. “It’s critical the proper enforcement regime and penalties are in place if there’s any doubt as to the source,” Ms Hallam said. “To further strengthen the laws we believe Country of Origin labelling must be introduced for timber, in line with the Australian Government’s due diligence importing processes. The labelling should indicate the country where the timber was grown so Australian consumers can be better informed and aware when purchasing timber products.” Applying Country of Origin labelling for timber and timber products would: increase transparency of supply, strengthen the effectiveness of illegal logging laws, halt trade from conflict countries and ensure Australian consumers are not supporting deforestation. “The integrity of our timber and fibre products is paramount,” Ms Hallam said. “When grown, harvested and processed properly, as we do in Australia, these products represent the height of sustainability, but when corners are cut, it can be environmentally damaging and undermine Australian jobs.”  

Researchers at the University of Helsinki are developing machine learning methods enabling the harvester to assist the operator in choosing routes that are optimal for both harvesting and nature. The machine could then predict the relevant terrain characteristics even before the actual operation.  Source: Forest.fi “This information will help to optimize the route and assist the operator by telling, for example, where the ground is too soft,” says Professor Jukka Heikkonen, in charge of the project funded by the Research Council of Finland. “Harvesting operations must be planned so as not to leave too invasive strip roads. The softer the ground, the more difficult it is for the harvester to travel and the more likely it will cause ground damage,” Heikkonen notes. Strip roads, or the tracks left by the harvester, are detrimental to forest growth, increase the risk of diseases and are an eyesore. Travelling across soft ground also increases the rolling resistance and therefore, the fuel consumption and cost. “The softer the ground, the more probably it will be damaged. The physical quantity used in the study is the rolling resistance factor of the harvester, which describes the ease of travel on a particular stretch of ground,” Heikkonen says. According to the Finnish Forest Act, only one fifth of the length of a strip road created to reach a harvesting site may be over ten centimetres in depth. For peatlands, the corresponding depth is twenty centimetres. Using the figure for ease of travel and the harvester’s rolling resistance, it is possible to create a map showing the conditions most suitable for the strip roads. The map may be used to position the route of forwarders and to schedule the operation. Measurements of damage caused by strip roads may be combined with open-source forest data and harvester data. This will allow predictions of future damage from the strip roads in a harvesting operation. The predictions and modelling make use of machine learning, which is capable of combining open-source masses of data, measurement data from harvester sensors and physical models of the terrain. Combining measurements of strip road damage with open-source forest data and harvester data makes it possible to predict the degree of damage even before the operation. Moist ground increases resistance Research results show that the rolling resistance of the harvester is greatest in depressions and on loamy soils. Moist soils increase the resistance. Moistness, in turn, is affected by weather conditions, as well as rain, evaporation and the presence of meltwater. Data for the research was collected from actual forestry operations in southern Finland. Identifiers linked to geospatial data describing moistness and soil type indicate the ease of travel on a particular site. ’Using the soil moistness and the harvester’s rolling resistance data, it is possible to create a forest hydrology model for anywhere in Finland. The terrain data gathered by the harvester is generalized to cover other, corresponding terrains. This also makes use of forest resources data, among other things,’ says Heikkonen. The aim is to plan harvesting operations with the knowledge of ’where to go and when’. Knowing this would not only help the people planning the harvesting, but also the practical work of the harvester operator. The objective is to achieve an automatic route planning, which will serve as a basis for autonomous harvesters. Factors affecting the ease of travel include the load-bearing capacity of the soil, the steepness of slopes and areas where the harvester may not enter. Other important factors include type of terrain, vegetation, climate, weather, ground-level moistness and the machinery used in harvesting. Heikkonen points out that once an operation has been scheduled, it must be implemented despite cold, rain, fog or rocky terrain. “For the harvester, forest is a challenging environment,” Heikkonen said.