Development Trends in the Electrification and Hybridization of Single-Arm and Double-Arm Rock-Drilling Rigs
Release time:
2026-09-25
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In tunneling and mining excavation projects, the power systems of rock‑drilling rigs are undergoing a transition from conventional diesel‑engine propulsion to electric and hybrid technologies. This shift is driven by multiple factors: increasingly stringent environmental regulations, enterprises’ considerations of long-term operating costs, and the ethical imperative to safeguard the occupational health of construction workers.
Mainstream electrification technologies for single-arm and dual-curve arms
Currently, the electrification of rock‑drilling rigs has diverged into two mainstream technological pathways.
The all‑electric solution powers vehicles with high‑energy‑density batteries, enabling zero‑emission operations in tunnels and underground workings. For example, China Railway Construction Heavy Industry’s world’s first all‑electric plateau‑type, fully computerized three‑arm rock‑drilling rig, rolled off the production line in 2022, achieves fully electric travel and operation, saving over RMB 100,000 in energy costs annually and reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 30 tonnes. Sandvik’s DD422iE likewise employs an on‑board electric drive system, delivering zero emissions during transport. With advances in high‑efficiency motor systems, power batteries, and thermal‑management technologies, the range, safety, and dynamic response of electric rock‑drilling rigs have now largely matched or surpassed those of conventional diesel‑powered machines.
The hybrid‑power approach employs a diesel‑electric dual‑mode drive system: during tunneling operations, it automatically switches to pure electric mode to eliminate exhaust emissions, reducing overall energy consumption by 15%–20%. For instance, equipment such as the ZXZY200 double‑arm rock‑drilling rig from Zhengxun Heavy Industry features a hybrid powertrain that can switch to all‑electric operation in tunnel environments, effectively eliminating tailpipe emissions. Similarly, Shanhe Intelligent’s rock‑drilling rigs utilize a diesel‑electric hydraulic hybrid drive, delivering robust power while cutting fuel consumption and emissions.
In practical applications, all‑electric trolleys are best suited to construction sites with well‑developed power infrastructure that prioritize zero emissions and low noise levels; meanwhile, hybrid trolleys, with their broad adaptability and the advantage of requiring less frequent charging, remain competitive in remote power stations, extreme operating conditions, and high‑altitude tunnel construction.
Technological Advantages of Electrification and Hybridization
The shift toward electrification delivers significant advantages across multiple dimensions. First, it is environmentally friendly: the new‑energy single‑arm rock‑drilling rig achieves zero emissions, saving each unit 100,000 to 200,000 yuan annually in energy costs, reducing carbon dioxide emissions by approximately 10 to 30 tons, and eliminating the challenge of oxygen competition with workers inside tunnels. In the Qiaojia Tunnel on the Luqiao Expressway, the electric double‑curved‑arm rock‑drilling rig has eliminated the need for a conventional air‑compressor room, resulting in a marked improvement in tunnel air quality. Second, energy efficiency is enhanced: CRRC Heavy Industry’s high‑altitude all‑electric rock‑drilling rig has achieved a breakthrough—boosting power performance by 10% and improving energy efficiency by 50% under plateau operating conditions. Its intelligent energy‑management system supports both DC and AC dual‑charging modes, while its adaptive cooling system dynamically adjusts heat‑dissipation capacity. Third, cost reduction and productivity gains are realized: Zhengxun Heavy Industry’s double‑curved‑arm rock‑drilling rig is equipped with a high‑frequency hydraulic impactor (with an impact rate of up to 6,000 impacts per minute), increasing hard‑rock drilling speed by 25%. Coordinated control of the two arms shortens single‑cycle operation time by 30%. In the practical application of the electric double‑curved‑arm rock‑drilling rig at the Qiaojia Tunnel, the number of operators was reduced by 75%, operational efficiency improved by a factor of five to six compared with traditional methods, and noise and thermal loads were significantly lowered, thereby effectively safeguarding the safety and health of construction personnel.
Industry Trends and Market Outlook
Between 2013 and 2017, new‑energy tunneling equipment based on drill-and-blast methods remained largely at the conceptual prototype stage; today, a diversified, series‑produced domestic ecosystem of new‑energy tunneling machinery has taken shape. The penetration rate of electric and hybrid‑powered equipment in underground mines is rising rapidly—by 2027, electrified equipment is expected to account for more than 30% of the market. Leading manufacturers are developing modular platforms that can accommodate both all‑electric and hybrid powertrains, enabling continued operation under engine drive even in non‑electrified zones and significantly enhancing the equipment’s versatility across diverse application scenarios.
Intelligent Connected Vehicles: Deep Integration of Electrification and Digitalization
The transition to electrification and hybridization provides the technological foundation for intelligence and autonomy. Intelligent energy management and automated charging technologies enable self‑charging during drilling cycles or downhill travel, ensuring the battery always maintains sufficient power. A panoramic remote‑control system and multi‑machine formation‑operation technology allow operators to withdraw from hazardous work areas to a safe control room, significantly reducing safety risks.
At present, electrification and hybridization are the primary drivers of development in the rock‑drilling rig industry. Their deep integration with intelligent and digital technologies is propelling mining and tunneling operations toward a greener, more efficient, and safer future, moving away from traditional practices.
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