As noted by TechBriefs in the article “Assessing Five Key Areas of Modern Hydraulic Power Units,” older hydraulic power units (HPUs) in manufacturing environments are often large, noisy, and inefficient. However, advances in engineering have introduced variable-speed power units, which are smaller, quieter, and much more energy-efficient. These modern HPUs are designed for a variety of applications and can replace traditional systems seamlessly.
Variable-speed HPUs not only improve energy efficiency but also include features like built-in sensors, diagnostics, and cloud connectivity, allowing them to integrate into IoT systems for enhanced productivity and predictive maintenance. This makes them a strong alternative to conventional units in terms of reducing noise, lowering cooling demands, and enhancing reliability.
Manufacturing engineers looking to upgrade their hydraulic systems should consider the key differences between traditional and modern HPUs, particularly in terms of size, noise levels, energy efficiency, connectivity, and total cost of ownership. For instance, modern HPUs use optimized reservoir shapes and alternative degassing methods, allowing them to use significantly smaller reservoirs. A traditional unit with a maximum flow of 150 liters per minute would require a 600-liter reservoir, while a modern unit would only need a 150-liter reservoir, translating to significant space and weight savings on the plant floor.
Noise reduction is another area where modern HPUs excel. Variable-speed units can reduce noise levels by up to 10 dB compared to conventional systems, making them ideal for quieter environments like automotive or rubber molding plants. Lower noise levels also reduce vibrations, protecting nearby equipment and improving overall working conditions.
For engineers considering retrofitting or replacing their current HPUs, these modern variable-speed units offer a more efficient, quieter, and compact solution.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of techbriefs.com.
