Ice resurfacing vehicle

Source: CAN Newsletter September 2007

Petra Platzer (TTControl)

Due to the rapid technological progress in the past few years, electronics have become more important in off-highway vehicles, such as agricultural and construction machinery, cranes, and high-tech ice resurfacing machines. The future generation of ice resurfacing machines will apply even more innovative electronics to offer additional specific features for automated control in off-highway vehicles and to reduce complexity and costs.
WM-Mulser developed an innovative high-tech ice resurfacing machine.  WM Evolution offers technology with complex control functions for consistent ice resurfacing. It works with a drive concept for division of traction, a control system, hydraulic oil cooling and operates at a low noise level. The vehicle is available with a diesel engine, a gasoline engine, or even with an electric motor. The automatic control of engine RPM in all models provides constant RPM under various load conditions. The control units constitute the technical core of the electronic system in the vehicle. The programmable electronic control unit for sensor/actuator management integrates an MPC555 40-MHz micro-controller and a CAN interface. All inputs and outputs are protected against electrical surges and short circuits and are suitable for diagnosis. The device was designed to comply with IEC 61508. In the vehicle, the device controls major functions such as vehicle movement, opening and closing of the snow tank cap, the edger, the rotating side brush, the horizontal and vertical augers that collect and convey snow into the tank, and the conditioner. All safety-critical functions in the machine run on the controller. In addition, the device identifies whether the machine works with an electric motor, a diesel or a gasoline engine and automatically runs the correct configuration of the program.