Hydromar has won a statuette of the 7th International Fair for Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Control and Drives in Katowice 21-23.10.2008. The model is a lift with energy recovery based on the internal gear unit QXM. The statuette has been awarded under the patronage of the European Fluid Power Committee CETOP and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.

Waldemar Rys, the owner of Hydromar, gives us a short overview about the details.

1. Could you please describe us roughly the system, with which you won this special award?

We were awarded a statuette of the 7th International Fair for Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Control and Drives in Katowice for a model of hydraulic system based on internal gear unit QXM. Due to exhibiting in Katowice, we had considered a construction of the model of lift based on QXM unit as an energy saving hydraulic system. It was a good idea, since it was appreciated not only by our potential customers but also by the jury. We made this model based on a pump with the smallest displacement which was driven by an electric motor with a frequency control unit. The system also entailed diaphragm hydraulic accumulator and hydraulic cylinder. While raising the load QXM unit was working as a pump; an additional oil supply was provided from hydraulic accumulator, which improved dynamics of the unit and brought energy savings. During lowering of the load the potential energy accumulated in the mass of load was built up in hydraulic accumulator in the form of pressure. QXM unit was working as a motor while charging hydraulic accumulator whereas electric motor was working at certain stage as a cushion, steering with the speed. The electric motor was being steered by frequency control unit, which enabled changing its speed. There is also a possibility of using an additional module for a frequency control unit in order to return the energy formed during cushioning of electric motor to power network.

2.    For which other applications can this system also be used?

I think that QXM based system can be used in many applications in hydraulics. It is only a matter of time and engineers’ attitude towards energy-saving solutions. It is also important to make engineers aware of the advantages of implementing QXM, so that they are eager to redesign the whole system.
As far as QXM units driven by electric motors are concerned, huge energy savings have already been proved in real life applications. I think that using QXM units driven by Diesel motors is a new challenge and such products could remarkably extend the range of applications in mobile hydraulics. I think they could be used in machines such as: loaders, cranes, etc. They would surely find many supporters in Poland, as implementation of QXM-based system would diminish the costs of exploitation of mobile machines.

3. What is the benefit for the end user of the QXM in this system?

There are plenty of benefits for the end user of QXM units. Firstly, such systems bring considerable energy savings. Not only tank volume and oil capacity are reduced, but also fewer valves and connecting hoses are required. Fewer elements lead to smaller pressure drops in the system, whereas lower oil capacity leads to lower energy consumption for cooling. Furthermore, fewer elements make the system more reliable by decreasing the probability of malfunction.  Low pressure pulsations enhance smoothness of operation.  The end user will also benefit from a low noise level and low maintenance costs due to long service life of QXM units. Finally, fast reaction time improves the dynamics of the unit.

4. Could you also combine it with other Bucher Hydraulics products?

A mini power-pack is almost always necessary in order to complement QXM leakages. Moreover, 2/2 solenoid directional cartridge valves can be used to maintain the position of the hydraulic cylinder when the unit is in the standby mode.

5. What was your inspiration to build a model with QXM?

My first interest with QXM unit began after Mr. Guido Fleury presented this product and its capabilities during one of his visits in Poland. The benefits that it could bring to end users fascinated me and I perceived it as a product that could draw attention of many potential customers. With approaching 7th International Fair for Hydraulics, Pneumatics, Control and Drives in Katowice I thought it would be a great opportunity to present QXM unit to a wider scope of public. Creating the lift model based on QXM unit was in my opinion, an appealing form of presenting a principle of the system.
This year Hydromar has launched a marketing campaign focused on promotion of energy-saving hydraulic systems with the use of QXM units. An article about QXM unit and its applications has been published in Drives and Control magazine together with company advertisements.  We have also organized a conference Energy-saving solutions in hydraulics with Poznań University of Technology. Our company organizes numerous trainings for both our regular and potential customers and currently we are going to present new energy-saving solutions based on QXM units. I hope we will find many interesting applications for this young product.
We have been cooperating with Bucher Hydraulics for over 15 years. We are very glad that Bucher is willing to introduce new solutions, as it also helps us to offer innovative products to our customers. This award certainly belongs also to Bucher Hydraulics. We hope we will have fruitful cooperation in the future.