The power transmission system includes the power transmission components of each working device on the aerial work platform. Common transmission methods include internal combustion engine-mechanical transmission, electric-mechanical transmission, internal combustion engine-electric transmission, and internal combustion engine-hydraulic transmission.
(1) Internal Combustion Engine-Mechanical Transmission: The power source is the vehicle engine. After the power is transmitted through the transmission, it is transmitted to the working devices via components such as the transfer case, clutch, reducer, winch, pulleys, and wire ropes. The transmission line is long and the structure is relatively complex, and it is only used in aerial work platforms with a single purpose.
(2) Electric-Mechanical Transmission: Utilizing an external power source or on-board power supply, electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy by an electric motor, and then the power is transmitted to each working device through mechanical transmission components. Because electric motors are reversible and can achieve stepless speed regulation over a large speed range, and each mechanism can have an independent motor drive, the transmission and operation mechanisms are simplified. Furthermore, it has lower noise and less pollution, making it suitable for operations in locations where external power is readily available or where mobility is limited.
(3) Internal Combustion Engine-Electric Transmission: The transmission route is vehicle engine-generator-electric motor, which then drives each working device. Its advantage is that it utilizes the excellent working characteristics of DC motors, enabling aerial work platforms to achieve good working performance, but it is heavier and more expensive.
(4) Internal combustion engine-hydraulic transmission and other transmission methods. These methods fully utilize the advantages of hydraulic transmission, simplify the transmission structure, and easily achieve stepless speed regulation and changes in the direction of movement. The transmission is smooth, operation is simple and labor-saving, and overload can be prevented. Therefore, most aerial work platforms use this transmission method.
