The transition to connectable digital technology for hydraulic valves is accelerating, especially where European manufacturers are concerned. Seamless digital integrations are possible in connected equipment, the main outcome of which is an intelligent hydraulic valve for multiple automation functionalities where equipment is fully interconnected.
The technology is already showing new possibilities. There are smart single-axis controllers that are regulating hydraulic motions in closed loops. This is improved even further by a motion control that is built into the onboard electronics of the valve, accurate within micrometers. Overall, the control quality relies almost solely on measurement system resolution. Additionally, smart technology is being deployed in variable speed pump drives, which opens up new possibilities, such as using for replacing throttle controls.
Sensors are another technology important to valves. At long last, they’ve made their way in hydraulics and the possibilities are numerous: integration into valve housings, condition-monitoring such as for fluid quality and temperature, and remote device monitoring is just a few of the opportunities.
Further, mechanization for valves provides a greater degree of freedom regarding connection geometries. Currently, the industry is continuing to explore early ideas revolving around digital hydraulics, such as using control flows in a “stepped” way by employing single or multi-bit strategies.
These are not the only innovations regarding hydraulic valves worth noting, although connectivity is a common theme. Likely, connectivity will see an increased presence in the industry moving forward and if mechanisms and sensors are made uniform across the full spectrum of manufacturers, active connectivity and communications will be a reality.
To this end, Rexroth has several innovations in the pipeline, including 3D printing of cores for cast housings, an efficient direct printing that considerably lowers energy consumption during valve operation.
