Komatsu News Komatsu Europe supports Polar science

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1 Komatsu News Komatsu Europe supports Polar science

KOMATSU NEWS A new Komatsu HB215LC-1 excavator equipped with the exclusive Komatsu hybrid technology was unloaded directly onto the ice shelf in Antarctica on January 19, 2014.

Polar Foundation (IPF) began discussions ions with BIA n.v.

The machine would be sent to work on the Princess Elisabeth Princess Elisabeth Polar Station HB215LC-1: Komatsu Europe Supports Polar Science By Kevin Broman Polar station, the only zero emissions

The HB215LC-1, a second generation erat hybrid machine fi tted with cutting-edge e Komatsu technology, ogy, boasts an average of 25% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than a traditional ti al

This exceptional occasion was attended by Ms Keiko Fujiwara, Komatsu Europe CEO and Managing Director, as well as by several BIA and Komatsu top managers and by official IPF representatives.

The IPF works to bring about a keener appreciation of the role of science in society, particularly research in the Polar Regions, and supports polar scientifi c research, the promotion of intelligent

The IPF partners with corporations and institutions, either on specifi c projects, or to further its mission to support science in the Polar Regions, to meet climate challenges and to achieve a low

2 KOMATSU NEWS A new Komatsu HB215LC-1 excavator equipped with the exclusive Komatsu hybrid technology was unloaded directly onto the ice shelf in Antarctica on January 19, This was mission accomplished for the crew of the Mary Arctica, and the ship, which had transported the machine all the way from Belgium to the South Pole, could now start the long journey back to its homeport in Denmark. The Komatsu HB215LC-1, however, would continue its own extraordinary journey, which had begun several weeks earlier, and thousands of miles away Donation In the summer of 2013, the International al Polar Foundation (IPF) began discussions ions with BIA n.v., the offi cial Komatsu tor for Belgium, and with Komatsu Europe Distribu- International (KEISA), concerning the possible donation of a Komatsu HB215LC-1 Hybrid excavator to the IPF. The machine would be sent to work on the Princess Elisabeth Princess Elisabeth Polar Station HB215LC-1: Komatsu Europe Supports Polar Science By Kevin Broman Polar station, the only zero emissions research base in Antarctica. a. The HB215LC-1, a second generation erat hybrid machine fi tted with cutting-edge e Komatsu technology, ogy, boasts an average of 25% less fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than a traditional ti al excavator. An official handover ceremony for the HB215LC-1 was organized in November 2013, at BIA n.v, in Fleurus, Belgium. This exceptional occasion was attended by Ms Keiko Fujiwara, Komatsu Europe CEO and Managing Director, as well as by several BIA and Komatsu top managers and by official IPF representatives. IPF and Polar Station project (*) The International Polar Foundation was founded in 2002 by Belgian polar explorer Alain Hubert, and the renowned scientists Prof. Hugo Decleir and Prof. André Berger. The IPF works to bring about a keener appreciation of the role of science in society, particularly research in the Polar Regions, and supports polar scientifi c research, the promotion of intelligent action on climate change, and the development of a sustainable society. The IPF partners with corporations and institutions, either on specifi c projects, or to further its mission to support science in the Polar Regions, to meet climate challenges and to achieve a low carbon society. Designed, built and operated by the IPF, the Princess Elisabeth is the fi rst polar station that combines eco-friendly construction materials, the clean and effi cient use of energy, the optimization of the station s energy consumption and innovative water treatment facilities.. Currently, the station is occupied only during the Austral summer, from November to February, when daylight is almost permanent, and weather conditions are less harsh. On the Utsteinen ridge where it is built, the building can be exposed to gales up to 120km/h, which it can withstand due to its aerodynamic shape and its innovative support The Foundation s fl agship project, the Princess Elisabeth Station, is the Belgian Antarctic research Station located in the Sør Rondane Mountains, Queen Maud Land. The station was inaugurated on February 15, 2009 and runs on solar and wind energy managed by a unique micro smart grid. (*)

struts which are anchored 6 metres into the granite of the ridge. Wind energy is supplied by nine wind turbines that stretch out along the ridge.

The Southern Annex has an additional accommodation area with 32 beds. Southbound The Polar Komatsu HB215LC-1 was prepared and equipped by BIA n.v.

Komatsu machines are always designed for work in temperatures as low as minus 25 C; and, in this case, only the oil was changed to one more suitable for prolonged exposure to extreme conditions.

3 struts which are anchored 6 metres into the granite of the ridge. Wind energy is supplied by nine wind turbines that stretch out along the ridge. The upper part of the station can accommodate 16 people. The lower annexes house the technical areas, such as the mechanical and wood working workshops, as well as the garage for snowcat vehicles. The Southern Annex has an additional accommodation area with 32 beds. Southbound The Polar Komatsu HB215LC-1 was prepared and equipped by BIA n.v., who also provided a hydraulic hammer for the excavator. This machine is practically a standard model says Yoshihiro Kobayashi, KEISA Product Manager for the HB215LC-1. Komatsu machines are always designed for work in temperatures as low as minus 25 C; and, in this case, only the oil was changed to one more suitable for prolonged exposure to extreme conditions. The standard 600 mm track shoes were replaced with others 800mm wide, and the Princess Elisabeth Station s chief of vehicle operations received technical and practical training in the use of the Hybrid machine. On December 2nd, the HB215LC-1 was loaded onto the Mary Arctica in the port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, and the ship departed for the White Continent the next day. After a A 14 metre-high ice shelf at the unloading site. short stopover at Cape Town, South Africa, it headed out for Crown Bay on Antarctica s coast, where cargo for the Princess Elisabeth Station is usually unloaded. However, as the Mary Arctica neared its destination, sea ice conditions got increasingly heavier. They eventually turned out to be the worst experienced in the past 30 years and the ship s Captain reluctantly gave up trying to reach Crown Bay. The unloading operations had to be delayed until an alternative site was found. With the help of satellite images received at the Station, the Captain located a suitable zone at Dog s Head Terminus, 120 km to the east of Crown Bay, in an unexplored area, but where the ice shelf was low enough for unloading. The Mary Arctica was soon moored alongside. The HB215LC-1 Hybrid Excavator gets ready to embark on a long journey South. The Mary Arctica unloaded directly onto the ice-shelf. The two cranes were very handy. 4 5

The first HB215LC-1 to reach the southernmost continent.

Head Terminus, preceded by the faster reconnaissance team.

working simultaneously to speed things up, and to allow the Mary Arctica

While a family of killer whales cruised around the bay, hunting for

the ice-shelf along with the rest of the resupply cargo.

team and the ship s crew, the job was done.

members of the crew, the Mary Arctica sailed away, as the Princess

This would be their last contact with the outside world for several

Moving out The next day, the convoy moved out, and the HB215LC-1 was

4 The first HB215LC-1 to reach the southernmost continent. Unloading Around noon on January 19, the Station s crew arrived at Dog s Head Terminus, preceded by the faster reconnaissance team. The unloading began almost immediately, with the ship s two cranes working simultaneously to speed things up, and to allow the Mary Arctica to leave quickly, before it got trapped by the moving ice. While a family of killer whales cruised around the bay, hunting for their evening meal, the Komatsu Hybrid machine was lifted directly onto the ice-shelf along with the rest of the resupply cargo. By late afternoon, thanks to the close cooperation between the Station s team and the ship s crew, the job was done. After a diner on board - and a short impromptu on the ice concert by members of the crew, the Mary Arctica sailed away, as the Princess Elisabeth Station team looked on and waved with mixed feelings. This would be their last contact with the outside world for several weeks. Moving out The next day, the convoy moved out, and the HB215LC-1 was transported on the last leg of its trip southwards between the crevasses of the perilous Roi Baudouin ice shelf, past the Romnoes blue ice fi elds, past Vesthaugen, to Utsteinen and the Princess Elisabeth Station.. Waving goodbye, and moving on

Commitment to the Environment Komatsu develops eco-conscious construction equipment as part of its environmental efforts.

The regenerated energy is then stored in the capacitor and used to swing, and by the generator/motor to assist the engine when it needs to accelerate.

n Home at last Soon after it arrived on January 22, the Komatsu excavator was already hard at work, removing snow, and preparing the site for the reconstruction of the technical store rooms.

It is fantastic to see how much work the Komatsu Hybrid excavator can do in one day says Alain Hubert, co-founder of the IPF. The power and the precision of this new HB215LC-1 are amazing!

5 Commitment to the Environment Komatsu develops eco-conscious construction equipment as part of its environmental efforts. The unique Komatsu hybrid system is built around an electric swing motor/generator that captures and regenerates energy as the upper structure slows down and converts it into electric energy. The regenerated energy is then stored in the capacitor and used to swing, and by the generator/motor to assist the engine when it needs to accelerate. Thus, this hybrid system reduces fuel consumption signifi cantly. Today, more than 2,500 Komatsu hybrid excavators are in use worldwide. n Home at last Soon after it arrived on January 22, the Komatsu excavator was already hard at work, removing snow, and preparing the site for the reconstruction of the technical store rooms. A Komatsu breaker attached to the machine is used to remove rocks and ice - which sometimes is as hard as concrete. It is fantastic to see how much work the Komatsu Hybrid excavator can do in one day says Alain Hubert, co-founder of the IPF. The power and the precision of this new HB215LC-1 are amazing! Currently the minus 15 C temperatures are not particularly cold for the region and the HB215LC-1 can stay outdoors at all times. Komatsu s First Steps in Antarctica in 1957 Ever since Japan s exploration of the South Pole Continent began in 1957, Komatsu has had a long history of producing snow vehicles for Antarctica. The Polar Station team also uses a 1974 Komatsu D31-2 Dozer which was recovered from the site of the former Japanese Asuka Polar station, 55 Km away. An actual testimony to Komatsu quality, after all those years of exposure to Polar conditions, and once the battery was replaced, the small Komatsu dozer is still in working condition. It is a great honor for Komatsu to have the opportunity to once again contribute to Antarctic exploration with the IPF. 8 9

6 Komatsu Times is an online newsletter of Komatsu Europe International N.V., Belgium. - Mechelsesteenweg 586, 1800 Vilvoorde. The views expressed in this journal are those of the contributors, and not necessarily those of Komatsu Europe International N.V. All rights reserved. No part of this newsletter may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission from Komatsu Europe International N.V. Materials and specifications are subject to change without notice. Editorial board: Kevin Broman - Dirk Legrand

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