What significance does the networking and digitalization of production systems have for hydraulics?

Digitalization is a trend that accompanies the entire production plant throughout the entire product life cycle. It begins with development, where a digital twin is created in parallel to the physical product, which fully describes the product characteristics. Digital twins are also available for Hawe hydraulic power units so that they can be used for virtual test runs and commissioning.

Communication between the "hydraulics" subsystem and the higher-level control system then plays a key role in the further life cycle of the system. Our newer units offer a communication box that can be used to communicate key operating data such as fill level, temperature and motor speed via an IO-Link interface. Together with other machine data, this makes condition monitoring and predictive maintenance possible. At the end of the product life cycle, digitalization also offers the opportunity to reuse or recycle components and parts in a targeted manner using suitable identification features.

In which areas are hydraulics currently growing?

Hydraulics is growing wherever large forces need to be exerted in the smallest of spaces. The miniaturization of our systems offers new possibilities for decentralized use of hydraulic systems. More and more often, a hydraulic system is not recognizable as such because it is a self-contained unit.

We are finding exciting new applications in the field of medical technology, for example. The actuation of operating tables is one of the better-known possibilities. But hydraulic systems are also being tested as interesting drive systems for exoskeletons.

Keyword sustainability: At what points does technological progress make hydraulic components more efficient?

The efficiency of individual components, such as a valve, can be improved by optimizing the manufacturing tolerances. The more precise the production, the fewer losses occur. Our seat valves, for example, are completely leak-free. Beyond the component, however, efficiency can be increased even further in the hydraulic system. This starts with the system design, in which the optimum energy-efficient actuator can be designed with the help of simulation tools. A simple adjustment of the pressure level can often lead to a significant increase in efficiency, as the moving masses and volume flows can be reduced.

The increase in efficiency continues with the operation of the system, where an intelligent control strategy enables the consumers to be supplied in line with demand. Here, hydraulics offer interesting and simple options for covering peak loads. However, sustainability does not only mean efficiency: hydraulic systems are also sustainable due to their long service life. In addition, hydraulic components can be reused as parts or recycled.