Enduring
A central step in product development is the testing phase. All Schmidt sweepers undergo a series of intensive tests to ensure safety, performance, and durability. These include load tests, which subject the machine to extreme conditions, as well as safety tests to verify compliance with relevant standards. This process helps identify and resolve design flaws early on. The Schmidt eCleango 550 has also undergone a comprehensive endurance test. In the Raff endurance test, the machine was driven nearly 200,000 kilometers on various poor road surfaces - from cobblestones to potholes. This rigorous trial underscores its exceptional durability.
Manoeuvrable
Precise steering geometry is not only critical for the sweeper's driving safety but also contributes to overall road safety. Faulty steering can result in uneven tire wear, impaired braking performance, and the need for premature tire replacement. To address this, the eCleango 550 underwent a "straight-ahead tendency" test. In this trial, the fully loaded sweeper was driven with the steering wheel fully turned and then released to observe whether it automatically returned to a straight-ahead position. These tests ensure optimal steering performance under load, guaranteeing operational safety. Additionally, the eCleango 550's steering system is designed to operate independently of the high-voltage (HV) system. Even in the event of an HV system failure, both the steering and brakes remain fully functional.
Clean
The development of the eCleango 550 raised sweeping performance to new heights. Thanks to innovations in the side brush kinematics, a larger suction hose, and a newly developed suction chute, the machine achieves a higher dirt pickup rate while consuming less energy. All components were rigorously validated through practical tests to ensure optimal functionality and durability.
This thorough validation guarantees consistently high cleaning quality, minimizes downtime, and reduces maintenance costs. The result is a highly efficient sweeper that meets the highest standards of cleanliness.
Illuminating
The lighting concept of the eCleango 550 focuses on two key aspects: vehicle safety lighting and work lighting. Safety lighting ensures the machine is clearly visible in low-light conditions while providing the driver with optimal visibility of surrounding traffic. This is essential for accident prevention and smooth operation.
Work lighting is equally important, enabling thorough cleaning during dusk or adverse weather conditions. The lighting angle, intensity, and the flashing speed of warning lights and indicators were extensively tested to ensure their effectiveness.
The Right Temperature
Aebi Schmidt sweepers are used worldwide and must endure a wide range of climatic conditions – from extreme cold to intense heat. To meet these challenges, the eCleango 550 was subjected to rigorous testing in a climate chamber, where it was exposed to temperatures ranging from -10 °C to 40 °C. These extreme simulations provided valuable insights into the aging process of the sweeper under thermal stress.
Dust-Free
With 0% CO₂ emissions, the eCleango 550 makes a significant contribution to environmental protection. Since 2018, the European Air Quality Directive has required cities and local authorities to ensure that particulate matter (PM) emission limits are only exceeded on a limited number of days per year. To comply, the eCleango 550 was tested to meet PM2.5 limits and earned the PM10 certificate, confirming its adherence to stringent particulate matter regulations.
Look forward to the third and final part of "Behind the Scenes of the Development of an Electric Sweeper"...