Posted to News on 22nd Apr 2015, 14:26
Energy efficiency and performance with VSD hydraulic pumps
Eaton is merging its capabilities in the electrical and hydraulics space to offer machine and system builders variable speed drive (VSD) pump systems that allow for improved machine performance and energy savings of up to 70 per cent - depending on machine duty cycle. The fully integrated electro-hydraulic system is widely scalable. It comprises a broad range of vane and piston pumps, filters, frequency inverters, control and switch gear as well as Eaton's innovative SmartWire-DT intelligent wiring technology. Suitable applications range from the machine tool sector to casting, steel or press applications, where users benefit from extended machine life by lowering heat generation and improved operator safety and comfort by reducing pump noise levels.
A working model of the new VSD pump system is on display at stand F03 in Hall 21 in the Motion, Drive & Automation section at Hannover Messe 2015. Combining the power density and proven performance of Eaton's pump systems with the smart control functionality of VSDs, the system can achieve power-on-demand in a more energy efficient way than a conventional system with proportional valve technology.
To highlight differences in energy consumption, the exhibit is set up to operate in both fixed and variable speed. In fixed speed mode Eaton's innovative Variable Speed Starter (VSS) PowerXL DE1 demonstrates an option for the pump to also run at reduced speed. The VSD-driven pump operates two cylinders. By introducing IP67 SmartWire-DT I/O modules and thus taking SmartWire-DT outside the control panel, the installation of sensors and actuators to monitor, for example, vertical movement of the cylinders, or temperature and pressure of the pump system, is easy, fast and flexible. As the IP67 modules can be provided as units with just a single I/O, machine builders are given even more freedom of choice in terms of architecture. They provide them with significantly simpler systems from design to assembly - the construction of new systems and the modification of existing machines can be carried out with less cabling effort and with reduced use of materials.
The entire hydraulic power unit is controlled by Eaton's HMI/PLCs, which allow for a high degree of scalability as they come with an Ethernet interface and also communicate with the common fieldbus systems as well as SmartWire-DT. With SmartWire-DT integrated, the HMI/PLC connects motor protection or pilot devices without conventional point-to-point wiring. Thus, the effort and time for wiring a machine is reduced by up to 85 per cent. SmartWire-DT combines and powers up to 99 stations over a length of over 600m. As the technology is easy to use, it significantly reduces wiring errors and helps machine builders where qualified labour is in short supply as the training for assembly with SmartWire-DT is shorter and does not require wiring experience.
The hydraulic power unit features remote connectivity supporting preventive maintenance as well as machine diagnostics and control functionalities. It also comprises products from Eaton's Filtration Division, such as the TEF 55 return filter and NBF 40 breather filter. This ensures high purity of fluids for a safe and efficient application process.
Visitors at Hannover Messe can learn more about Eaton's extensive portfolio for Industrial Automation in Hall 11 at stand C63/69. To learn more about Eaton and the company's variable speed drive (VSD) pump systems, visit www.eaton.com.
