Technology shift drives new opportunities in mobile hydraulics

Pressure and temperature sensors in hydraulic and transmission systems offer a large number of tangible benefits for equipment builders, owners and operators alike. For instance in Electronic Load Sensing (ELS) systems that automatically adjust pressure and flow to the required demand at any time to increase system efficiency and extend system life-time. The pressure sensors built into the ELS detect system loads such as port pressure and sends the information to an electronic controller connected to the pump that either slows down or speeds up according to process demand.

Optimized automatic transmission is another vital feature for maximum performance on site. When using Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), precise control of the oil temperature is necessary to obtain the right temperature inside the transmission no matter the load or speed. Pressure sensors are requisite for optimum performance of automatic transmission systems, e.g. for clutch control and line control to avoid power loss.

The safety of operators always comes first. In many mobile hydraulic applications, the stabilizing system of the equipment is very important to this personnel safety. By using pressure sensors in the stabilizing system, the stabilizing legs are automatically controlled to make sure that the legs are properly deployed on the surface and pulled into place to avoid tilting and other dangerous situations. 

When operating on public roads, the brake light system is an important part of the safety equipment. Sensors in the brake light system not only improve safety on the roads, but also provide evidence in case of accidents. The sensors continuously monitor and provide data on the use of the brakes and the brake lights, and the data that can be used if the operation of the equipment is called into question. 

Air quality is also a part of a safe work environment. By ensuring optimum performance by the ELS and CVT systems, the emission of diesel particles is reduced and the air quality surrounding the operator and other personnel on site is greatly improved. At the same time, the reduced fuel consumption drives down the diesel bill and protects the environment from harmful particle emissions. 

Recycling of the exhaust gas is another important feature of climate-friendly technology. New engine designs typically use Exhaust Gas Recycling (EGR) to control NOx emissions and fulfil the Tier IV regulation. The recycling is done by recirculating exhaust gases back into the combustion chamber to be burned a second time. In order to make this work the exhaust gas has to be cooled by several hundred degrees, and this is achieved by mixing the gas with intake air. The recycling process requires a very accurate temperature control that can only be achieved with high-quality temperature sensors.

Pressure and temperature sensors open new opportunities for remote surveillance of hydraulic equipment in order to predict and optimize maintenance and to avoid break-downs. The constant, automatic surveillance enables analysis of machine operation in real time by means of the pressure and temperature sensors built into the mobile hydraulic equipment and by use of GPS/GMS connections.

- Remote surveillance and diagnostics is where the future lies. With intelligent sensors combined with advanced telematics solutions, machine owners and contractors get access to business critical data that can be used to monitor parts, predict maintenance, optimize performance and a lot of other functions that make the daily operation smooth and even more profitable, say Magnus Hansson, Market Segment Manager Mobile Hydraulic. 

Pressure and temperature sensors for mobile hydraulics

Danfoss offers a wide range of pressure and temperature sensors and other solutions for safe, clean and efficient operation. For instance:

• MBS 1200 and 1250, heavy-duty sensors for hydraulic applications with excellent vibration stability and highly robust.
• MEP 2200 and 2250, electronic pressure switches, heavy-duty sensors for hydraulic applications with excellent vibration stability and highly robust. 
• MBT 3270, a flexible temperature sensor optimized for mobile hydraulics and exhaust gas recycling systems.