New legal requirements for occupational health and safety are pushing companies in the wind industry to rethink their operations, particularly regarding pollutant emissions from vehicles within production halls. In Denmark, for example, new legislation mandates that employees must vacate production facilities when diesel-powered vehicles are used, particularly during operations like moving heavy components. Only after the hall has been properly ventilated and emissions are measured can workers return to their tasks.
For companies like Cometto, this regulatory shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Cometto has introduced an innovative solution to help meet these new demands: a 6-axle ModulMAX SP-E with electronic steering and a hybrid Power Pack Unit (PPU). This new system combines a 186 kW diesel engine with a 100 kW electric motor and a corresponding battery pack, allowing the vehicle to operate in purely electric mode.
In practical terms, this means that heavy-duty transporters in the wind industry can now operate quietly and without emissions inside production halls. A key customer from Denmark’s wind sector, who relies on self-propelled transporters for their nacelles and generators, reports that the new technology has effectively solved the problem of cycle time interruptions due to legal restrictions. The electric range of the hybrid PPU exceeds expectations, doubling the initially agreed distance, and reducing noise levels to below 80 dB(A). This means that employees can work in the hall for up to eight hours without the need for hearing protection, even in close proximity to the equipment.
Thanks to this innovation, the customer proudly announces that their facility is the world’s first wind production site where the heaviest loads are moved entirely electrically out of the hall. This landmark project is expected to set a new standard for the industry, offering a solution that benefits both the workforce and the environment.
