Electrifying Logstacker Operations - A Site-Level Assessment of Charging Infrastructure Needs and Energy-System Impacts

Abstract

This thesis investigates the electrification potential of logstacker operations at a pulp mill, with a focus on charging infrastructure requirements and impacts on the local energy system. Using driving data from a plug-in hybrid logstacker, the study analyses daily energy demand, parking patterns, and charging opportunities to evaluate how different charging configurations can support increased electric operation. A simulation model was developed to assess charging performance under different charger configurations and charging strategies. The results show that installing a charger in a strategically selected location to allow for opportunity charging can substantially increase the share of electric operation and reduce diesel consumption. For a single logstacker, the share of electric operation increased from 54% to between 70% and 87% under the simplest charging strategy, depending on charger capacity. When multiple logstackers were included, charging contention reduced performance under simpler strategies, but cooperative fleet charging was able to mitigate these effects. The study also shows that charging demand creates short peak loads on the site’s electrical system. Overall, the findings indicate that electrification of heavy material handling equipment offers strong potential for emission reductions, but successful implementation depends on suitable charging infrastructure, operational coordination, and integration with the site’s energy system.