Komatsu hybrid engine wins award

April 21, 2011 – Komatsu received the fiscal 2010 JSME Medal for New
Technology, selected and conferred by the
Japan Society of Mechanical Engineers (JSME) for the development of a
hybrid system for construction equipment at JSME's general meeting.
Created in 1958 to encourage the growth
of Japan's mechanical engineering and industry, the JSME award is one of
the most prestigious technology awards in Japan. This is the second
award given to Komatsu, following its fiscal 1989 award.

Komatsu's hybrid system for construction equipment reduces fuel consumption and
CO2 emissions. The electric motor turning the
upper structure of the excavator converts kinematic
energy into electric energy, and regenerates it when the upper structure slows down. This electric energy is then stored in the
capacitor and is reused for the next turning of the upper structure. It
is also reused through the power-generating motor as assistant energy to
accelerate the engine revolution speed.

The envelope, please.

For the JSME Medal for New Technology, the
JSME evaluates not only the originality and excellence of the concerned
technology, but also the social contribution and business result
factors. Komatsu's hybrid hydraulic excavator went to market for
the first time in June 2008. In December of last year in
Japan, the manufacturer launched sales of the new HB205 and 215LC with improved
general-purpose applicability and productivity compared to the first
hybrid model, which is in operation mainly in Japan and China today. The
JSME Medal reflects not only the technological excellence of the hybrid system, but also good sales of the first models.

Komatsu plans to broaden its hybrid
hydraulic excavator model range and apply its hybrid system to other
construction equipment, thereby reducing its environmental impact in response
to the growing environmental protection needs of the world.