Hydraulic drives for efficient power transmission: Discover the versatile applications
Hydraulic drives from ARGO-HYTOS ensure efficient power transmission in various fields of application. The drives offer a high power density and are also capable of precisely controlling large forces.
Hydraulic drives are both efficient and flexible to use. They can be easily adapted to specific requirements and are used to control speeds, power transmission or precise positioning. Modern solutions such as “Power on Demand” from ARGO-HYTOS also reduce energy consumption. This is because the drive is only activated when it is actually needed.
Thanks to their robust design and extremely long service life, hydraulic drives reduce downtimes and significantly increase the efficiency of machines. Find out all about the solutions and benefits of hydraulic drives from ARGO-HYTOS in this article!
Hydraulic drives: Efficient power transmission for demanding applications
Hydraulic drives are used in many branches of industry to move machines and systems with great precision and power. The drives efficiently transmit signals, force, torque and energy via the hydraulic fluid.
The high power density of these drives is particularly noteworthy. Large forces are generated in a small space. This means that both compact and powerful designs can be realized in a wide variety of machines - from smaller machine tools to large construction machines.
Hydraulic drives are also characterized by particularly low wear. Thanks to lubrication by hydraulic oil, the components are less susceptible to wear - even under high loads. This not only ensures a long service life for the components, but also reliable operation under demanding conditions.
The precise control makes hydraulic drives the first choice for applications where a high level of accuracy is required. By regulating movement, force and torque, the drives ensure precise positioning of the axes of machine tools, for example. If required, this is also possible in tolerance ranges of a few hundredths of a millimeter.
The combination of ductile materials and the hydraulic fluid's ability to absorb shocks and impacts extends the service life of the mechanical components and increases the reliability of the system.
What are the advantages of hydraulic drives?
- High power density
- Low wear
- Precise control
- Impact and shock absorption
- Flexibility
What are the main components of hydraulic drives?
Hydraulic drives consist of several key components that work together to achieve particularly efficient conversion and transmission of energy. Each of these components plays a specific role in the overall process and contributes to the performance of the system.
The hydraulic pump is at the heart of a hydraulic drive. It generates pressure and volume flow, without which energy transmission would not be possible.
Actuators, such as hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors, convert the hydraulic energy generated by the system into mechanical movement.
Control blocks and valves regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid and control the direction, speed and force of the actuators.
On the one hand, the hydraulic fluid serves as an energy carrier; on the other hand, it also lubricates the components within the drive, thereby preventing excessive wear. Hydraulic fluid also acts as an effective coolant that dissipates the heat generated in the system.
The task of the lines and hoses is to transport the hydraulic fluid through the system. They have to withstand high pressures and are therefore designed to be particularly robust and durable.
Filters and coolers ensure that the hydraulic fluid remains clean and at operating temperature over long periods of time. These components maximize the service life of the system by preventing contamination and excessive heat build-up.
Decentralized hydraulics with “power on demand”
Decentralized hydraulics are based on the principle of providing hydraulic power directly at the point of use. This means that it does not have to be distributed from a central source via long pipes. Instead, decentralized hydraulics involves installing smaller, independent units that are connected directly to the consumer.
This concept reduces the distance that the hydraulic fluid has to travel. This also minimizes the losses that normally occur during transmission via pipes.
One of the main advantages of decentralized hydraulics is its flexibility. The systems can be quickly and easily adapted to changing operating conditions.
Decentralized hydraulic systems are also characterized by reduced heat generation. In conventional, centralized hydraulic systems, high flow losses or throttling often occur, which generate heat. By providing the power locally, the waste heat in the system is reduced.
This not only extends the service life of the hydraulic components, but also reduces the need for additional cooling systems. As less energy is lost in the form of heat, the overall performance and reliability of the machine can improve.
Applications in mobile machinery
Decentralized hydraulic systems are used in mobile machines such as excavators or agricultural vehicles. This allows the available hydraulic power to be utilized as efficiently as possible. By using smaller, local pumps and intelligent controls, the power can be provided as required. This significantly reduces energy consumption and increases machine flexibility at the same time.
Possible applications
- Miniature pumps on the actuators, which can be switched on and off as required, offer efficient use of hydraulic power.
- By using variable-speed drives, the speed can be adapted to the current power requirement and throttle losses can be reduced.
- With an intelligent control system that uses sensors to monitor the power requirement, the power supply can be adjusted in real time.
- The use of several hydraulic circuits in one system (multi-circuit applications) makes it possible to control several functions simultaneously or independently of each other.
- With demand flow control, the pump only ever delivers the required amount of hydraulic fluid.
Application in industrial automation
In industrial automation, decentralized hydraulics offer advantages in terms of flexibility and scalability. Systems can be easily expanded or adapted and downtimes can be minimized thanks to a decentralized structure.
Advantages
- Additional control units can be easily integrated without having to redesign the entire system.
- In a decentralized system, a fault remains limited to one unit, allowing other parts of the system to continue working.
- Each unit can be serviced independently, reducing maintenance times and increasing productivity.
“Power on Demand” from ARGO-HYTOS
The “Power on Demand” system from ARGO-HYTOS is a compact and intelligent, decentralized hydraulic solution. The system is based on BLDC technology (brushless DC motors). This unit combines tank, pump, motor, control unit and the complete valve technology in one compact system. This was specially developed for use in mobile machines.
The control is pressure-, speed- or position-based, which enables flexible adaptation to the requirements of the application.
Advantages of the “Power on Demand” system
- The system minimizes energy losses thanks to the short wiring distances and demand-oriented operation.
- A particularly robust design, the use of proven components and the user-oriented plug & play approach ensure simple integration and low maintenance.
- The “Power on Demand” system is very quiet in operation and is characterized by low energy consumption and minimal heat generation.
Would you like to find out more about our hydraulic drive solutions? Would you like to discuss the versatile application possibilities of “Power on Demand” and other hydraulic solutions in a personal meeting? The ARGO-HYTOS team of experts will be happy to help you find the right solution for your specific requirements.
Get in touch with us today and discover the benefits of our innovative hydraulic solutions for your applications. Visit our contact page and arrange your non-binding consultation appointment!