The servo pump solution from drive and automation specialist Baumüller is an intelligent and energy-efficient drive system, for example for presses and injection molding machines. With the new V2+ software package, the company now provides even more intelligent functions for process monitoring and process optimization.

Through intensive cooperation with machine builders, the servo pump solution can reduce the energy requirements of machines and systems, comparatively fast cycle times are possible and this with very low noise levels and high process accuracy. The combination of hydraulic power transmission with electric servo drive technology results in numerous advantages. The servo drive can be optimally controlled, improving the efficiency of the overall system compared to a purely hydraulic solution and increasing energy efficiency. Positive side effects also include better process performance and low heat generation.

Process reliability and process optimization

With the new software feature for speed monitoring and slip speed compensation, service can now be planned. The leakage characteristic curve of the system is monitored, triggered by the machine control system. If necessary, the speed is automatically readjusted so that the machine continues to run in the optimum range. If the leakage continues to increase as the pump ages and a measured value outside the tolerance is detected, the system issues an error message. The operator is automatically informed and the pump can be replaced in good time.

Another new feature for ensuring process quality and avoiding downtime is pressure sensor monitoring. As pressure sensors age, their inaccuracy increases; the sensor values are then initially optimized and a sensor replacement is indicated if the inaccuracy increases. Pressure sensors also tend to drift to zero, i.e. they incorrectly indicate that there is pressure in the system. The pressure sensor monitoring software feature prevents such a false reaction and thus damage to the pump.

Many processes in which servo pumps are used require long pressure holding times. This increases the risk of thermal overload and therefore premature pump wear. With the temperature model in the servo pump software V2+, the thermal pump utilization is calculated from the speed and pressure. When a critical threshold value is reached, for example, a bypass valve can be switched to prevent overheating.

The software also includes the acceleration limitation function. This ensures smooth, yet highly dynamic control behaviour and thus minimizes wear on the machine. The intelligent control algorithm for adapting to different pressure increase speeds was already integrated in the previous software version. With this feature, the parameterization only needs to be set once and the adjustment is automatic.

These servo pump features are integrated directly into the controller as an ordering option and are available on the servo controllers of the b maXX 3300 family and on the mono devices and baying technology of the b maXX 5000 family.