Editor's Choice


Five hydraulics technology trends

2nd Quarter 2019 Editor's Choice Hydraulic systems & components

Innovative new technologies are laying the foundation for the latest hydraulic systems and applications designed for construction, agriculture, mining and power generation. From smart user interfaces to load sensing valve technology to hybrid actuation systems for renewable energy applications, these solutions lead to productivity increases, energy savings and maximised operational efficiency. Here are five key technology trends presented by Parker Hannifin that are shaping the future of hydraulics.

1. Innovative heavy duty vehicle technology

New generation load sensing valves: Parker’s EQA EcoFormance electric flow amplifier technology is a significant advancement in load sensing valves. By automatically adapting the meter-out pressure to the load conditions, machine control is greatly improved. This is especially useful for functions with slew or jib movements, or digger arms with over-centre movement.

Electro-hydraulic control: Parker’s IQAN Connect is a totally electronic approach that replaces mechanical and electromechanical systems for controlling and monitoring hydraulics in mobile machines. This digital ecosystem ties together Parker’s smart hydraulics and electronics products, resulting in a synergy of intelligent components and customisable software that delivers next generation connectivity while providing flexibility in design and development.

Accurate mobile diagnostics: Abnormal temperature and pressure levels can adversely impact the function of hydraulic lines and pump systems in heavy mobile machinery. Parker’s SensoNODE BlueTM sensors give users an advanced condition monitoring solution that provides accurate readings without excessive wiring, allowing for mobile diagnostics with the cab door closed.

2. A smart user interface to improve machine efficiency

Parker has been building a new presence in industrial Internet platforms and ecosystems by developing a software platform for advanced and flexible user interface design. This enables machine manufacturers to increase machine functionality and efficiency and to create new types of business. Developing smart applications requires a robust software platform for the HMI device. Parker’s UX Toolkit software tool enables easier development of demanding applications for machine instrumentation, control and adjustment. The applications can include supporting applications for core machine functions, smart control systems, diagnostics or prediction applications that decrease downtime, or GPS monitoring and navigation applications. Solutions helping end-users to improve performance and efficiency include applications for mobile hands-free devices, logbooks, usage monitoring, and task management (for example managing bus lines).

3. Energy saving hydraulic systems using drive controlled pumps

Modern industrial machinery is creating ever-increasing demands on hydraulics to provide more efficient and quieter solutions with a smaller footprint, while maintaining the traditional benefits of hydraulic systems such as high power density, precise control and enduring performance. But these benefits come with the high cost of inefficient energy allocation, heat generation and noise.

Conventional hydraulic power units require oversized pumps and motors to ensure performance during a system’s highest duty cycle demands. In today’s eco-conscious and globally competitive economic environment, a transition to systems in which power is precisely modulated to the requirements of specific tasks within highly complex hydraulic systems is essential. This is where drive controlled pump (DCP) technology can provide a solution to address the challenges of more demanding applications, rising energy costs and greater environmental requirements.

4. Variable speed drives become simpler and more efficient

Variable speed pump drives save up to 70% energy compared to conventional drive solutions. Parker has developed a new, innovative variation of its drive controlled pump. The combination of an optimised axial piston pump with two displacement volumes and a very compact synchronous servo motor offers decisive advantages over common variable speed pump systems:

• Low torque due to de-stroking in pressure holding, resulting in reduced acquisition costs for the motor and frequency converter

• High traverse speed through up-stroking when in rapid drive mode

• High operating pressure, high productivity and high energy efficiency

5. New hybrid actuation system ideal for renewable energy applications

Parker has developed a hybrid actuation system (HAS) that is ideal for renewable energy actuation applications such as those used with solar panels, wind turbines and hydroelectric dams. The new hybrid design combines the controllability of traditional electromechanical actuators with the power density, longer life and resistive force capabilities of traditional hydraulic systems. The result is an improved actuation system for wind and hydro and other renewable energy systems, with a wider range of capabilities.

The hybrid design of this high efficiency, modular system is a fully self-contained system with no hydraulic hoses or power units. Hybrid hydraulics achieve exceptional economies of scale, with the ability to move over a megawatt from a single point. This makes HAS a good choice for large or small arrays.

To read the full story go to https://motioncontrol.co.za/+parker3 or visit https://tinyurl.com/yylk49dd

For more information contact Lisa de Beer, Parker Hannifin SA, +27 11 961 0700, [email protected], www.parker.com/za



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

From the editor's desk: A new era
Technews Publishing Editor's Choice
After fifteen years as editor of Motion Control, the time has come for me to hand over to Andrew Seldon. It has been a privilege to be part of this publication and to witness not only the remarkable advances in motion control, fluid power and automation, but also the enormous changes in the world around us.

Read more...
OMRON Robotics demos next-generation autonomous mobile robots
Editor's Choice News & events Robotics & Mechatronics
Advancing smarter material flow with the all-new LD-150 and LD-300 AMRs, OMRON Robotics demonstrated the next generation of its flagship LD series autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at Automate 2026 in June.

Read more...
The hidden heroes who shape Africa’s industrial future
Bosch Rexroth Africa Editor's Choice News & events
Behind every industrial success story, there’s a human one. Their names may never appear on a project signboard or in a headline. Yet their expertise and determination keep industries moving every day.

Read more...
Bühler Southern Africa leads industry dialogue on apprenticeships
Editor's Choice News & events
Bühler Southern Africa brought together representatives from industry, government and international organisations on 30 June 2026 to explore how quality apprenticeships can help bridge the gap between high youth unemployment and industry demand for skilled technical workers.

Read more...
Why lubrication fails in mining and what to do about it
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Lubrication Engineers explains the recurring failure points behind mining lubrication problems and how the right product, storage and application practices can improve equipment reliability.

Read more...
Solving common automation challenges with Festo’s servo drive and servo motor solutions
Festo Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Automation projects face challenges that include limited installation space, the need for precise and repeatable linear motion, rising cycle-speed demands, and seamless integration with existing control architectures. Festo’s servo portfolio directly addresses these issues with compact, modular drive and motor solutions designed for specific applications.

Read more...
Inside the Giant Magellan Telescope with mechanical engineering at astronomical scale
Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope, set to become the world’s largest Gregorian optical infrared telescope, is well underway. While its scientific mission is to transform astronomy, its performance depends heavily on advanced mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic engineering.

Read more...
Jendamark catalyst shrinking technology leverages SEW-EURODRIVE precision
SEW-EURODRIVE Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Innovative technology for shrinking catalytic converters, designed and built in South Africa by Jendamark Automation for the global market, relies on the precision of SEW-EURODRIVE’s highly dynamic servo-geared units and software.

Read more...
Motion control for flight simulators
Beckhoff Automation Editor's Choice Electrical switching & drive systems & components
Turkish specialist, SANLAB is a leader in motion platforms and simulation technologies. At the heart of these platforms are application-specific servo drives, servomotors and industrial PCs for real-time control, which are supplied by Beckhoff.

Read more...
Filtration as a reliability driver in motion control systems
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa Hydraulic systems & components
This article highlights the importance of filtration in motion control systems, how contamination affects performance, and what fleet managers, operators and maintenance teams in southern Africa can do to reduce downtime, avoidable wear and costly repairs, aided by Baldwin Filters.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved