Snow groomer and method for controlling the power supply of a snow groomer

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a snow groomer with a drive system for a tracked vehicle, which comprises an electric drive for each side of the tracked vehicle, and with an electrical energy source for supplying at least the electric drives.

[0002] German utility model DE 20 2013 004 087 U1 discloses a snow groomer with an electric drive for each side of the tracked chassis. For this purpose, an electric motor is assigned to each side of the chassis. A rear-mounted snow grooming unit is provided, the auger shaft of which is also driven by an electric motor. A battery or a fuel cell system is provided as the power source for these electric drives. A hydraulic system can also be operated by an electric motor and a gear pump. A 24 V auxiliary battery is used to supply power to additional electrical devices such as vehicle lighting and the like.

[0003] US patent US 5,363,937 discloses a snow groomer in which an electric drive is assigned to each side of the tracked drive. A rechargeable battery serves as the electrical power source.

[0004] European Patent Application EP 3 608 150 A1 discloses a snow groomer with an electric drive system. Instead of a diesel engine, an electric motor drives a hydraulic distributor pump, which is then connected to a hydrostatic drive system for the tracked drive. A fuel cell, a battery system, or similar can be provided as a vehicle-mounted electrical power source.

[0005] Korean Patent Application KR 2011 0003940 A discloses a crawler excavator that has two electric motors, each driving a drive chain. A fuel cell provides electrical energy. A supercapacitor serves as a buffer. A power distribution unit distributes the electrical energy from the fuel cell to the drive motors and, if applicable, the supercapacitor. An electric motor can be provided to drive a hydraulic pump, with the hydraulic pump then operating the excavator arm with the bucket.

[0006] From the European patent application EP 3 608 151 A1 a snow groomer with a slope grooming unit arranged at the rear is known, wherein the slope grooming unit is electrically driven.

[0007] The German utility model DE 20 2013 004 087 U1 describes a snow groomer with an electric drive. The drive operates with a high-voltage system. A 24-volt auxiliary battery is provided for additional electrical loads, such as vehicle lighting.

[0008] European patent EP 2 726 316 B1 discloses a fuel cell system and a method for controlling the fuel cell system. The fuel cell system includes a compressor for supplying air to the fuel cell.

[0009] An energy management system for a fuel cell vehicle is known from German patent application DE 10 2018 202 106 A1. The fuel cell vehicle features an eddy current brake to enable braking of the fuel cell vehicle when the vehicle battery is fully charged.

[0010] European patent EP 2 684 198 B1 discloses a device for storing hydrogen. The device comprises a storage tank for liquefied hydrogen.

[0011] A fuel cell system is known from European Patent Application EP 1 182 722 A2. A gimbal-type suspension for the fuel cell system is mentioned.

[0012] The invention aims to improve a snow groomer with an electric drive system.

[0013] According to the invention, a snow groomer with the features of claim 1 is provided for this purpose. A snow groomer is provided with an electric drive system for a tracked undercarriage, which comprises an electric drive for each side of the tracked undercarriage, and with an electrical energy source for supplying at least the electric drive units, wherein the electrical energy source has at least one accumulator, at least one fuel cell, and a power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit is electrically connected on the one hand to the at least one fuel cell and the accumulator, and on the other hand to the electric drive units.

[0014] By providing at least one accumulator, at least one fuel cell, and a power distribution unit, the electrical energy required for the electric drive system can be provided optionally by the fuel cell, the accumulator, or by the fuel cell and the accumulator together. For example, the fuel cell provides the basic electrical power, and the accumulator is responsible for the power in the dynamic range. During recuperation during braking, the electrical energy then generated by the electric drive can be easily fed into the accumulator. This enables a bidirectional energy flow, with the exception of the fuel cell. By providing at least one fuel cell, the electric range can be significantly increased, and the snow groomer according to the invention can be much better adapted to current requirements in pure driving operation or in grooming operation.The electric drive also serves this purpose, comprising an electric drive for each side of the crawler track. This allows the electrical energy to be transferred to the crawler track with lower losses than would be possible with an interposed hydrostatic drive, which in turn is powered by an electric motor.

[0015] In a further development of the invention, a piste grooming unit is provided which is arranged at the rear and is driven by means of a first electric drive which is electrically connected to the power distribution unit.

[0016] For example, the piste grooming unit is designed as a rear-mounted tiller, and a drive shaft of the rear tiller is driven by the first electric drive. Additionally, the piste grooming unit can also be equipped with hydraulic cylinders for raising, lowering, and pressing, or the like. Of course, electric servomotors can also be used instead of hydraulic components. The electrical energy required for the first electric drive is provided by the power distribution unit, so that here, too, the at least one fuel cell, the accumulator, and / or the fuel cell and the accumulator can be used jointly to provide the electrical energy.

[0017] In a further development of the invention, a hydraulic system is provided which is driven by means of a second electric drive which is electrically connected to the power distribution unit.

[0018] Providing a hydraulic system makes sense because hydraulic components, for example, for raising and lowering a snow blade and raising and lowering a snow grooming unit, have been proven to work reliably for many years and function reliably even in the extreme environmental conditions in which snow groomers operate. The second electric drive, which in turn drives a hydraulic pump, is supplied with electrical power via the power distribution unit. Consequently, the fuel cell alone, the accumulator alone, or the fuel cell and accumulator together can be used to operate the hydraulic system.

[0019] In a further development of the invention, an electrical low-voltage network with a voltage in the range of 12 V to 48 V is provided, in particular for operating lights, instruments, control devices and the like, wherein the low-voltage network is electrically connected to the power distribution unit.

[0020] Lights, instruments, control units, and the like are readily available for operation in the low-voltage range and have proven themselves for years, not least under the extreme environmental conditions in which snow groomers operate. The provision of a low-voltage electrical network can thus significantly improve the reliability of the snow groomer according to the invention and also reduce the resulting costs. For example, a heater for the driver's cab can also be operated via the low-voltage network; within the scope of the invention, a heater for the driver's cab can also be operated at higher voltage and can be supplied with electrical energy directly from the power distribution unit. Solar cells can also be connected to the low-voltage electrical network if necessary. Snow groomers generally operate at night and are usually parked for several hours during the day.Solar cells can then cause or support the charging of a battery in the low-voltage grid.

[0021] In a further development of the invention, the low-voltage electrical network has at least one low-voltage accumulator.

[0022] In a further development of the invention, the power distribution unit is designed as a high-voltage power distribution unit and operates with a voltage in the range between 100 V and 1000 V, in particular 400 V.

[0023] The higher the voltage of an electrical power supply, the lower the currents are for the same electrical power. A high-voltage power supply is particularly advantageous when providing high electrical power, such as that required for an electric drive system for a tracked vehicle, as it allows for a reduction in the required cable cross-sections.

[0024] In a further development of the invention, the power distribution unit is designed to supply electrical energy from the at least one fuel cell, from the accumulator and / or from a stationary network to the drive systems.

[0025] By means of the power distribution unit, the required electrical energy or the required electrical power can be drawn from the at least one fuel cell, from the at least one accumulator and / or from a stationary network. The power distribution unit thus makes it possible to respond quickly and efficiently to the electrical power required at any given time. For example, the fuel cell is used to supply a base load, whereas the dynamic provision of electrical power takes place via the accumulator. In special cases, the required electrical energy can also be supplied via a stationary network, for example when grooming spatially confined snow parks, when grooming steep slopes using winches, or when maintaining lift tracks, cross-country trails, or walking paths via an overhead line connection.

[0026] In a further development of the invention, the power distribution unit is designed to supply electrical energy from the at least one fuel cell, from the accumulator and / or from a stationary network to the first electric drive for the piste grooming unit, to the second electric drive for the hydraulic system and / or to the low-voltage network.

[0027] As mentioned, a cable connection is feasible for winch operation or when working on confined snow parks. The power distribution unit can be used to control the supply of electrical energy to individual electrical consumers by using the fuel cell alone, the accumulator alone, or the fuel cell and accumulator together. During recuperation mode, when electrical energy is fed back into the system, the accumulator can be charged.

[0028] In a further development of the invention, the power distribution unit is designed to supply electrical energy from the at least one fuel cell, from the electric drive systems and / or from a stationary network to the accumulator.

[0029] In this way, the battery can be charged using the power distribution unit, even in recuperation mode when electrical energy is generated by the drive systems.

[0030] In a further development of the invention, the power distribution unit is designed to supply electrical energy from the at least one fuel cell and / or from the accumulator to a stationary network.

[0031] In this way, the snowcat can serve as an emergency power generator.

[0032] In a further development of the invention, the power distribution unit supplies the electrical energy required for a base load of the drive systems from the at least one fuel cell to the drive systems, and the power distribution unit supplies the electrical energy required for a peak load of the drive systems from the accumulator to the drive systems.

[0033] In a further development of the invention, a mechanically or hydraulically actuated brake is provided for the track drive.

[0034] Safety can be significantly increased by using a mechanically or hydraulically operated brake, as a brake is still available even if the electrical system fails.

[0035] In a further development of the invention, an eddy current brake is provided for the chain drive.

[0036] An eddy current brake allows for very sensitive braking.

[0037] According to the invention, the at least one fuel cell is gimbal-mounted on a vehicle frame of the snow groomer.

[0038] Snow groomers are regularly operated in extreme terrain. A gimbal-mounted fuel cell can ensure its reliable operation.

[0039] In a further development of the invention, a pre-compressor is provided for compressing ambient air, wherein the compressed air can be supplied from the pre-compressor to the fuel cell.

[0040] In this way, the fuel cell can be operated with good efficiency and high electrical power even at high altitudes.

[0041] In a further development of the invention, each drive side of the track drive is provided with a sprocket wheel, wherein an electric motor of the electric drive is designed as a wheel hub motor and arranged in the sprocket wheel.

[0042] Using such a wheel hub drive, an additional gear stage can be avoided.

[0043] In a further development of the invention, each electric drive has several electric motors on each side of the drive.

[0044] For example, one tensioning axle and one drive axle on each drive side can be driven, or several motors can be provided on one shaft.

[0045] In a further development of the invention, the at least one fuel cell is operated with hydrogen and at least one hydrogen tank is provided, wherein the hydrogen tank is designed as a pressure reservoir, cryogenic tank or storage for chemically bound hydrogen.

[0046] Hydrogen is stored under high pressure in a pressure tank. A cryogenic tank stores highly cooled hydrogen, particularly liquid hydrogen. Chemically bound hydrogen can be stored in a solid-state storage tank.

[0047] In a further development of the invention, a plurality of cylinder-like hydrogen tanks are provided, wherein the plurality of hydrogen tanks are arranged at least partially next to one another and surround the accumulator in a U-shape.

[0048] Cylindrical hydrogen tanks are also called bottle-shaped hydrogen tanks. Such hydrogen tanks have a circular cylindrical base with hemispherical end pieces. A U-shaped arrangement of several hydrogen tanks, so that they partially surround a cuboid or box-shaped accumulator, saves space. For example, a unit consisting of the accumulator and hydrogen tanks can then be provided for easy replacement.

[0049] A method is provided for controlling the electrical energy supply of a snow groomer according to the invention, in which the provision of the electrical power required by the electric travel drives, the first electric drive for the piste grooming unit and / or the second electric drive for the hydraulic system is provided by means of the power distribution unit, wherein the power distribution unit provides the required electrical power to the travel drives, the first electric drive and / or the second electric drive at least as a function of an amount of the required electrical power from the fuel cells alone, from the accumulator alone or from the fuel cells and the accumulator together.

[0050] For example, the electrical power required for a base load is provided by the fuel cell, the electrical power required in addition to the base load at peak loads and in recuperation mode the accumulator is used.

[0051] The fuel cell is controlled by means of the power distribution unit depending on the electrical power required by the drive systems, the first electric drive and / or the second electric drive.

[0052] Depending on the level of electrical power required, the power of the fuel cell can be increased or decreased.

[0053] The fuel cell is controlled by means of the power distribution unit and the supply of electrical energy from the fuel cell to the accumulator is provided by means of the power distribution unit depending on a charge state of the accumulator.

[0054] In this way, the accumulator can be charged using the fuel cell, for example when it is expected that high peak loads will have to be provided by the accumulator or when the charge level of the accumulator falls below a level considered appropriate.

[0055] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the claims and the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention in conjunction with the drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic overview of the electrical system of the snow groomer according to the invention, Fig. 2 the snow groomer according to the invention in a schematic side view and Fig. 3 the hydrogen tanks and the accumulator of the snow groomer of the Fig. 2 . The schematic representation of the Fig. 1 shows the system architecture of the electrical system of a snow groomer according to the invention.

[0056] The electric traction drive system has a drive unit 12 for the right side of the drive train. The drive unit 12 has a permanent-magnet synchronous motor 14 and a voltage and frequency converter 16 for controlling the permanent-magnet synchronous motor. The permanent-magnet synchronous motor 14 can convert electrical energy into the movement of a drive chain (not shown), and when the chain is decelerated, regenerative energy can be generated, which can then be fed back to the overall system via the voltage and frequency converter 16.

[0057] A drive unit 22 is also provided for the left-side drive. The drive unit 22 is constructed identically to the drive unit 12 and includes a permanent magnet synchronous motor 24 and a voltage and frequency converter 26.

[0058] A drive unit 28 is provided for a piste grooming unit, which is typically mounted at the rear of a snow groomer. A cutter shaft of the piste grooming unit is driven by an electric motor 30, and the drive unit 28 also includes a voltage and frequency converter unit 32.

[0059] Furthermore, an electrical energy source 34 is provided, which has several fuel cells in a fuel cell stack 36 and several electrical accumulators in a lithium-ion accumulator 38. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack 36 operate with hydrogen, which is produced from Fig. 1 hydrogen tanks (not shown). Within the scope of the invention, fuel cells operated with other basic materials can also be used. In the illustrated embodiment, the accumulator 38 is designed as a lithium-ion accumulator. Within the scope of the invention, accumulators other than lithium-ion accumulators can also be used.

[0060] The electrical energy source 34 is connected to a high-voltage power distribution unit 40. Electrical energy from the energy source 34 can be supplied to the high-voltage power distribution unit 40, and the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 can supply electrical energy to the electrical energy source 34.

[0061] No electrical energy can be supplied to the fuel cell stack 36, only to the accumulator 38. An arrow symbolizing the energy flow between the accumulator 38 and the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 is therefore bidirectional.

[0062] Electrical energy from the fuel cell stack 36 is supplied to the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 via a DC-DC converter 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the high-voltage power distribution unit operates at a voltage of 700 V, and the DC-DC converter 42 can be used to adjust the voltage level of the fuel cell stack 36 to the voltage level of the high-voltage power distribution unit 40. The accumulator 38 operates at a voltage of 700 V and, in a known manner, consists of an interconnection of several individual accumulators.

[0063] The high-voltage power distribution unit 40 represents the connecting link between the electrical energy source 34 and the electric drive units 12, 22. By means of the high-voltage power distribution unit 40, electrical energy can be supplied from the energy source 34 to the two drive units 12, 22, and conversely, electrical energy generated by the drive units 12 can be fed back to the energy source 34, specifically the accumulator 38. The high-voltage power distribution unit 40 can control the fuel cell 36 depending on the required electrical power. Consequently, the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 provides electrical energy to the drive units 12, 22 from the fuel cell stack 36 alone, from the accumulator 38 alone, or from the fuel cell stack 36 and the accumulator 38 together.For example, the electrical energy required for a base load of the drive units 12, 22, such as the traction drive on level ground, is supplied exclusively by the fuel cell stack 36. Peak loads required by the drive units 12, 22 in addition to the base load are supplied from the accumulator 38.

[0064] The Fig. 1 The overall electrical system shown contains additional subsystems that can absorb electrical energy. A second electric drive 50 is provided for driving a hydraulic pump for a hydraulic circuit, which is supplied with electrical energy from the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 via a voltage and frequency converter unit 52.

[0065] Furthermore, an electric drive 54 for an air compressor is provided. Ambient air is compressed by the electric drive 54 and fed to the fuel cell stack 36. This allows the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack 36 to operate with high electrical power even at very high altitudes. The electric drive 54 is supplied with electrical energy from the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 via a voltage converter 56.

[0066] Furthermore, the electrical system of the snow groomer according to the invention includes a low-voltage network 60, which is provided for supplying the snow groomer's lighting, instruments, fans, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the low-voltage network operates at a voltage of 24 V and has two 12 V batteries. The low-voltage network 60 is supplied with electrical energy from the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 via a voltage converter 62.

[0067] A brake chopper 64 is also provided. The brake chopper 64 serves to convert excess electrical energy into thermal energy. Any excess electrical energy is fed to the brake chopper 64 by the high-voltage power distribution unit 40.

[0068] For example, when a snow groomer is descending a steep hill, it may happen that the electrical energy generated by the drive units 12, 22 cannot be fully used to recharge the battery 38. This can be the case, for example, if the electrical power generated by the generator is simply too high or if the battery 38 is already fully charged. The excess electrical energy must then be dissipated. This is achieved by converting the electrical energy into thermal energy in the brake chopper 64. For this purpose, the brake chopper 64 has an electrical resistor that is switched into the circuit, then heats up and thereby converts electrical energy into thermal energy. This occurs when a voltage in the intermediate circuit between the high-voltage power distribution unit 40 and the brake chopper 64 reaches a level that is dangerous for the components of the overall electrical system.As soon as the voltage in the intermediate circuit decreases again and becomes below the turn-on voltage, the electrical connection to the electrical resistor is interrupted again via suitable switches, such as power transistors. The process repeats as soon as the voltage rises again.

[0069] With the Fig. 1 The electrical system shown allows for highly efficient electrical operation of a snow groomer according to the invention. The fuel cell stack 36 ensures a significant increase in range and also high efficiency in the generation of electrical energy. By providing the high-voltage power distribution unit 40, the fuel cell stack 36 and the accumulator 38 can be used either individually or jointly to provide electrical energy. The drive units 12, 22 provided for each side of the track allow for sensitively controllable electrical drive of the tracked drive with minimal losses.

[0070] Fig. 2 shows a side view of a snowcat 70 according to the invention. The snowcat 70 is equipped with the Fig. 1 The snowcat 70 has a tracked chassis 72, which has drive sides arranged on opposite longitudinal sides. In the illustration of the Fig. 2 Only the left chain of the crawler track can be seen in the direction of travel, whereby the Fig. 2 visible left chain through the drive unit 22 Fig. 1 is powered.

[0071] The chain is guided on each side of the drive by a front tensioning wheel 74 and driven by a rear drive wheel, also referred to as the sprocket wheel 76. In the illustrated embodiment, the sprocket wheel 76 is driven by the permanently excited synchronous machine 24, see. Fig. 1 , driven. The design of the permanent magnet synchronous machine 24 as a wheel hub motor in the sprocket 76 is possible within the scope of the invention.

[0072] The snowcat 70 has a chassis frame 78. Within this chassis frame 78, which is Fig. 2 The fuel cell stack 36 is shown partially cut out. The other components of the electrical system of the Fig. 1 are in Fig. 2 Not shown for clarity. The fuel cell stack 36 is mounted on a gimbal so that the fuel cells operate safely and with high performance even in extreme terrain. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel cells of the fuel cell stack 36 are powered by hydrogen, which is supplied from hydrogen tanks 80. In the illustration of the Fig. 2 Three cylindrical hydrogen tanks 80 can be seen in which hydrogen is stored under high pressure.

[0073] The hydrogen tanks 80 are arranged in a U-shape around the accumulator 38. This results in a space-saving arrangement of the hydrogen tanks 80 and the accumulator 38.

[0074] The snow groomer 70 further comprises a rear-mounted slope processing unit 82. A milling shaft of the slope processing unit 82 is driven by the electric motor 30, see Fig. 1 , driven. The slope grooming unit 82 is pivotally mounted on the chassis frame 78 and can be raised and lowered by one or more hydraulic cylinders 84 and, if necessary, pivoted and / or pressed by additional hydraulic cylinders not shown. The hydraulic cylinder 84 is supplied by a hydraulic system driven by the electric motor 54, see Fig. 1 , wherein the electric motor 54 drives, for example, a gear pump.

[0075] The snow groomer 70 is further equipped with a dozer blade 86 on the front. The dozer blade 86 is hinged to the chassis frame 78 at the front and can be raised, lowered, and pivoted by means of several hydraulic cylinders 88. The hydraulic cylinders 88 are supplied via the hydraulic system of the snow groomer 70, which is driven by the electric motor 54, see Fig. 1 , is powered.

[0076] The snowcat 70 has a driver's cab 90 on which, among other things, headlights 92 are mounted. Instruments in the driver's cab as well as the headlights 92 are part of the low-voltage network 60 of the snowcat 70, see Fig. 1 . A heater for the driver's cab 90 can either be part of the low-voltage system 60 or directly from the high-voltage power distribution unit 40, see Fig. 1 , with a voltage of 700 V. It is also possible to use waste heat generated during operation of the fuel cell stack 36 to heat the driver's cab 90.

[0077] Fig. 3 shows the hydrogen tanks 80 and the accumulator 38 in a view obliquely from above. It can be seen that a total of ten hydrogen tanks 80 are provided, which surround the accumulator in a U-shape. This allows a space-saving arrangement of the accumulator 38 and the hydrogen tanks 80 to be provided. The center of gravity of the Fig. 3 The arrangement shown is comparatively low, since the accumulator 38 is considerably heavier than the hydrogen tanks 80. The arrangement of the Fig. 3 can, as in Fig. 2 shown, are arranged on the snowcat 70 so that the hydrogen tanks 80 are parallel to the direction of travel. However, it is easily possible to arrange the Fig. 3also be arranged so that the hydrogen tanks 80 are arranged transversely to the direction of travel.

Claims

1. A snow groomer having an electric drive system for a track (72) which comprises one electric track drive for each side of the track (72), and having an electric power source (34) for supplying at least the electric track drives, wherein the electric power source (34) has at least one storage battery (38), at least one fuel cell and one power distribution unit (40); wherein the power distribution unit (40) is connected electrically to the at least one fuel cell and to the storage battery (38) on the one side and to the electric track drives on the other side; wherein several fuel cells are provided in one fuel cell stack (36); wherein the snow groomer (70) has a chassis frame (78); and wherein the fuel cell stack (36) is arranged and gimballed inside this chassis frame (78).

2. The snow groomer according to claim 1, characterized in that a piste grooming unit (82) arranged at the rear is provided, and is driven by means of a first electric drive (30) which is electrically connected to the power distribution unit (40).

3. The snow groomer according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a hydraulic system is provided, and is driven by means of a second electric drive (54) electrically connected to the power distribution unit (40).

4. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that an electric low-voltage network (60) with a voltage in the range from 12 V to 48 V is provided, in particular for operating lights, instruments, control units and the like, wherein the low-voltage network (60) is electrically connected to the power distribution unit (40).

5. The snow groomer according to claim 4, characterized in that the electric low-voltage network has at least one low-voltage storage battery.

6. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that the power distribution unit (40) is designed as a high-voltage power distribution unit and operates with a voltage in the range between 100 V and 1000 V, in particular 400 V; and / or that the power distribution unit (40) is designed for supplying electric power from the at least one fuel cell, from the storage battery (38) and / or from a stationary network to the track drives; and / or that in particular the power distribution unit (40) is designed for supplying electric power from the at least one fuel cell, from the storage battery (38) and / or from a stationary network to the first electric drive for the piste grooming unit, to the second electric drive for the hydraulic system and / or to the low-voltage network (60); and / or that preferably the power distribution unit (40) is designed for supplying electric power from the at least one fuel cell, from the electric drives and / or from a stationary network to the storage battery (38); and / or that in particular the power distribution unit (40) is designed for supplying electric power from the at least one fuel cell and / or from the storage battery (38) to a stationary network.

7. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that the power distribution unit (40) supplies the electric power needed for a basic load of the track drives from the at least one fuel cell to the track drives, and the electric power needed for a peak load of the track drives from the storage battery (38) to the track drives.

8. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized by a mechanically and / or hydraulically actuatable brake for the track.

9. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized by an eddy current brake for the track.

10. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that a precompressor is provided for compressing ambient air, wherein the compressed air may be supplied from the precompressor to the fuel cell.

11. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that each side of the track (72) is provided with a sprocket wheel (76), wherein an electric motor of the electric track drive is designed as a hub motor and is arranged in the sprocket wheel (76).

12. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that each electric track drive has several electric motors on each side of the track.

13. The snow groomer according to at least one of the above claims, characterized in that the at least one fuel cell is operated with hydrogen and at least one hydrogen tank (80) is provided, wherein the hydrogen tank (80) is designed as a pressure reservoir, cryo tank or reservoir for chemically bound hydrogen, and in that in particular several cylinder-like hydrogen tanks (80) are provided, wherein at least some of the several hydrogen tanks (80) are arranged next to one another and enclose the storage battery (38) in a 'U' shape.