Doosan Bobcat, a global equipment manufacturer specializing in compact construction equipment, material handling and portable power solutions, has partnered with WATTALPS on a development project for a new generation of mobile electric air compressors capable of delivering high performance while significantly reducing power infrastructure requirements.
Electric air compressors on jobsites are usually connected to the electrical grid. Due to frequent power peaks, especially during startup and other short periods of intensive operation, a compressor equipped with a 22 kW motor would require a 22 kW grid power supply, which is largely oversized for most of the operating time, resulting in unnecessary costs.
To overcome this situation, Doosan Bobcat, as part of a development project, integrated a WATTALPS battery system with immersion cooling technology, allowing peak-shaving by supplying additional power during high-demand periods. The result is a compressor equipped with a 22 kW motor, able to run without power derating while plugged into only an 11 kW grid supply, enabling ease of use and substantial savings without compromising performance.
The reasons behind the choice of WATTALPS
Developing the solution required addressing several significant technical constraints:
Available space for battery integration was extremely limited, while the application demanded high power output to absorb and deliver power peaks.
Thermal management also presented a challenge due to the confined installation environment and the proximity of other system components.
According to the customer, WATTALPS’ technology and modular battery architecture proved to be a decisive advantage.
“We needed a solution capable of delivering high power while fitting into a very constrained space. The high C-rate performance of the WATTALPS battery was essential to meet the demanding power requirements of our application. WATTALPS batteries offer the performance and flexibility we were looking for, both electrically and mechanically“, said Jiri, project leader in Doosan Bobcat.
With WATTALPS patented immersion cooling technology, all battery cells are fully immersed in a non-toxic, biodegradable, non-flammable dielectric fluid, enabling very precise temperature control and homogeneity across the battery pack. This enables WATTALPS batteries to deliver high power density and high C-rates.
The ability to select the most appropriate cell technology and configure the battery’s mechanical layout provided the flexibility required to meet the project’s demanding specifications.
“We needed a solution capable of delivering high power while fitting into a very constrained space. The high C-rate performance of the WATTALPS battery was essential to meet the demanding power requirements of our application“
Combining Performance, Simplicity and Sustainability
The integration of the WATTALPS battery enabled Doosan Bobcat to develop a truly innovative solution.
With WATTALPS batteries managing peak shaving, the new solution offers a compelling alternative to both conventional electric and diesel-powered compressors.
By reducing the required grid connection from 22 kW (400V, 3-phase, 32A) to 11 kW (400V, 3-phase, 16A), users can operate the equipment on sites where higher-power electrical access may not be available.
“This solution allows us to combine the benefits of electrification with a level of simplicity that is particularly valuable for end users. Being able to operate with a standard 11 kW connection is a major advantage. And this, without compromising performance“, explains Martin, EV engineer at Doosan Bobcat.
Compared with diesel-powered alternatives, the solution delivers the environmental benefits associated with electrification – including reduced CO₂ emissions and lower noise levels, and improves energy efficiency. This translates for the end users to quieter operation, improved operator comfort, and fuel savings.
Compared with traditional electric solutions, beyond ease of deployment, the lower connection requirement also induces reduced electric subscription and infrastructure costs.
The project generated further gains in terms of system compactness, with WATTALPS battery solution contributing to volume and weight optimization.
“This solution allows us to combine the benefits of electrification with a level of simplicity that is particularly valuable for end users. Being able to operate with a standard 11 kW connection is a major advantage. And this, without compromising performance“
A strong technical partnership
Beyond the technical performance of the battery system, the customer highlights the collaborative nature of the partnership with WATTALPS throughout the development process.
WATTALPS’ multidisciplinary expertise and responsiveness was very appreciated by the Doosan Bobcat team.
“The WATTALPS team combines strong technical expertise across disciplines with a highly responsive approach. We always received quick answers to our technical questions, along with valuable recommendations and innovative ideas”, commented Jaromír, electrical engineer at Doosan Bobcat.
Despite an ambitious project schedule, the teams worked closely together to address challenges quickly and keep development on track.
“I am really happy with the relationship we had with the WATTALPS team. They demonstrated an excellent understanding of our application and needs, and the cooperation between both teams was outstanding. The project timeline was ambitious, but WATTALPS successfully met all the deadlines“, Martin said. “WATTALPS helped us overcome a major challenge: delivering
the performance of a high-power electric compressor while reducing the grid connection requirement from 22 kW to just 11 kW. Their battery technology, technical expertise, and responsiveness were instrumental in the success of the project.”
“WATTALPS demonstrated an excellent understanding of our application and needs, and the cooperation between both teams was outstanding.
Looking Ahead
The first testing phase began in July. Additional testing activities under representative operating conditions are planned to further assess the technical feasibility and performance of the concept.
About Doosan Bobcat
Since 1958, Bobcat has been empowering people to accomplish more. As a leading global manufacturer of compact equipment, Bobcat has built a proud legacy of innovation and a reputation for delivering smart solutions to customers’ toughest challenges. The Bobcat brand is owned by Doosan Bobcat, a company within the Doosan Group, a top-tier global enterprise that has proudly served customers and communities for more than a century. Doosan Bobcat HQ is based in Bundang, South Korea.
To learn more about Bobcat’s products and services, visit www.bobcat.com
