Built rugged for underground mining, the new Cat® MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger delivers fast, simple and safer charging

For Worldwide Release: September 2021
Release Number: 748PR21

Caterpillar introduces the new Cat^® MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger, the first of its kind for the underground mining industry. Equipped with a durable skid mount and integrated forklift eyes, the 1600-kg (3,527-lb) charger can be efficiently moved to where the equipment is working via towing, fork truck or overhead lift. Delivering a charge where it is needed, the MEC500 provides an alternative to expensive static charging station infrastructure, additional batteries, and battery handling and swapping. The mobile equipment charger offers customers charging options and the ability to optimize the mine site’s electrical power supply.

The new MEC500 delivers an industry-leading 500 kW charging and connector capability. It offers an impressive range of 300- to 1,000-Volt and up to 700 Amp current output. This fast mobile charger can be used as a single unit to deliver a full charge to the battery-electric Cat R1700 XE LHD in less than 30 minutes. Alternatively, ultrafast battery charging is achieved by connecting two units in parallel to charge the LHD in less than 20 minutes. Its adjustable output voltage and current can trickle charge the battery to maintain optimal performance for the R1700 XE.

Simple and safe

The new MEC500 eliminates the complexity of battery charging. When charging the R1700 XE, the mobile charger immediately recognizes the loader, and all charging functions can be managed from the keypad at the MEC500 or LHD. Allowing for constant communication between the charger and R1700 XE, the battery-powered vehicle management system dictates the exact amount of charge needed throughout the cycle, optimizing battery longevity. The operator can conveniently monitor the charge cycle from inside the cab or from the MEC500’s display.

The mobile charger’s integrated display also helps to simplify diagnostics and troubleshooting. The charging port on the R1700 XE continuously senses the temperature, voltage and current to detect potential problems, which are communicated to the operator through the in-cab display and via audible warnings.

The MEC500’s 6-function keypad manages charging, and the charger performs a short-circuit and insulation-resistance check on the cable prior to energizing the output. Featuring built-in line insulation monitors on both the AC input and DC output, the monitors automatically coordinate with each other when parallel charging to provide comprehensive and uninterrupted ground fault protection.

Rugged reliability

Designed for the rigors of underground mining, the lightweight, military-grade aluminum Cat patented charging cable, available in 10- or 15-m (32.8- or 16.4-ft) lengths, is metal jacketed for extra mechanical and electrical protection. Military-grade lift eyes on the MEC500 allow it to be lowered down a mineshaft, further increasing charger mobility.

Its integrated Cat radiator with two on-demand fans anchor the sealed air conditioning and dehumidification systems’ design to support unit cooling. Isolation mounted to the skid base, the MEC500 charger, along with electronic control modules (ECMs), are built to withstand high vibration, seismic and shock loading experienced in the operating environment. Designed to the IP66 international standard rating, critical components, including where the electrical input-output connections are made, are protected from both water and dust infiltration.

The new Cat MEC500 Mobile Equipment Charger offers a wide range of altitude operating capabilities from 3600 m (11,800 ft) above to 4500 m (14,700 ft) below ground, allowing it to deliver a charge wherever and whenever it’s needed. More information on the MEC500 can be found by talking to an Underground Mining team member during MINExpo 2021, by contacting the regional Cat dealer or visiting www.cat.com.