Smart Hydraulics: When
Smart Hydraulics: When Power meets Intelligence MOTION AND DRIVES Machine manufacturers are uncovering new dimensions in productivity and cost-effectiveness thanks to the fusion of fluid technology with digital control systems. Intelligent, connected hydraulics for plastics processing machines enhances the repetition accuracy, process reliability, energy efficiency and availability in equal measure. Author: Frank Hoehn, Senior Application Engineer, Bosch Rexroth AG, Germany The fusion of sensor technology and communication technology is only half a step on the path toward digitalisation. Intelligent, connected hydraulics offers added value thanks to distributed intelligence and application expertise which is replicated in the software. In terms of operation, this enhances productivity and increases availability by means of rapid error diagnosis through to cloud-based predictive maintenance with artificial intelligence. Rexroth bundles this under the term Connected Hydraulics. Connected Hydraulics drive solutions ensure demand-driven, energy-efficient pressure supply of hydraulic actuators. Digitally responsive, distributed intelligent hydraulic components and subsystems open up new levels of freedom for optimising basic machine functions such as injection, opening/closing of forms, ejectors and nozzle systems. 16 WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 2020
Application-oriented solutions open up new degrees of freedom for economical digital connection of hydraulic valves Drive technology: Power meets intelligence CytroBox, the new generation of hydraulic power units, shows how Connected Hydraulics fluid technology is integrated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and thus simplifies design and commissioning. It provides a new solution approach for the medium performance range from 7.5 to 30 kW. It is also the blueprint for IoT integration of larger power units. CytroBox brings together all components in a compact housing. Sytronix variable-speed pump drives with inherent intelligence adapt the speed to suit demand using predefined controllers. This reduces the power consumption of the hydraulics in cyclical applications by up to 80 percent. The tank with optimised degassing and flow reduces the oil volume by 75 percent, from 600 litres to a mere 150 litres. In addition, the noise emission of the CytroBox is less than 75 dB(A) – even at full load. Smart, connected condition monitoring The integrated CytroConnect software solution uses sensors to record all relevant performance and operating data. The software processes the data decentrally and sends it to the cloud in encrypted form. Using the browser-based interface, maintenance technicians can wirelessly dial into the CytroConnect service and retrieve the information independently of their location. Machine manufacturers and end users can integrate CytroConnect as a module into their own digital IoT maintenance concepts. WORLD OF INDUSTRIES 2020 17
