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Electro-Hydraulic Control Application Success Stories

 

The following success stories highlight our Digital Valve Control (DVC) Modular Configuration product line.  Each of these design wins had there own set challenges for our engineers to quickly solve our clients' hydraulic control problem.  Contact us for support to solve your hydraulic control challenges.

 

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65KW Wind Turbine65KW AC Generator Wind TurbineDVC10, DVC21 & DVC41 Installation

 

The Application Control 65KW wind turbine.

 

The ChallengeKeep generator load at optimum at all wind speeds.

 

The Approach - Install a DVC10 Master Controller, DVC21 Digital input expansion module, DVC41 Output expansion module & DVC60 display.

 

The Solution – The DVC10, DVC21, DVC41 & DVC60 were used to control all aspects of the turbine, including yaw control, start, stop, operator interface and most critical generator loading at all wind speeds.

 


Refuse Truck Side Loader

 

The Application – Position Management of Trash Can Pickup Arm

DVC10 installation in Refuse Truck Side Loader

 

The Challenge – Increase productivity, reduce maintenance cost & frequency and reduced noise.

 

Our client had encountered low operators efficiency due to the lack of training and/or lack of manual dexterity. In addition, high hydraulic component failure rates were encountered due to the arm being raised and lowered at high rates of speed. Engine noise was excessive when the arm was being raised and lowered.

 

The Approach - The method of control used prior to the introduction of the DVC system was a joystick control by the operator. The problems associated with this method of control were numerous, including operator proficiency in the operation of the joystick. Additionally, there were no safety features to stop the arm if it encountered resistance and the speed with which the operator moved the arm.

 

The Solution – Install a DVC10 Master Control Module to control arm positioning, bin pickup, dump and return of bin to original position and engine RPM

 

Tub Grinder

DVC10, DVC21 & DVC41 installation in Tub Grinder

The machine pictured is a 14’ diameter tub grinder. This machine is used to grind refuse (typically from a demolition site or the site of a natural disaster). The machine is shown in the transport position; the tub lays down when in operation.

 

The Application – Total Equipment Control

 

The Challenge – Coordination and control of Equipment Subsystems.

 

The tub grinder manufacturer was having significant problems with control of many subsystems in the equipment. The most critical was the clutch system that spins up the tub and de-clutches if the load becomes too great. In addition to the critical clutch problem the OEM wanted to synchronize the output conveyor with the amount of refuse coming out of the tub and monitor all subsystems in the equipment for safety reasons.

 

The Solution – Install a DVC10 Master Model, DVC21 Input Expansion Module and DVC41 Output Expansion Module. In this application the DVC10, DVC21 and DVC41 system is doing total equipment control:

-Monitor and control the startup cycle (ensure the tub spins up slowly and at a constant rate of speed)

-Monitor all safety interlocks (tub speed, engine speed, conveyor speed, etc)

-Monitor and control tub speed (monitor load and adjust speed or shut down)

-Monitor and control hammer speed and safety interlocks

-Synchronize conveyor speed with output requirements of the tub and monitor conveyor safety interlocks

-Monitor and control the shutdown cycle (ensure the tub spins down at a slow constant rate

 

DVC10, DVC21 & DVC41 in Rock CrusherRock Crusher

 

The Application – Track, Hammer and Conveyor Control

 

The Challenge – Increase Productivity, Reduce Equipment Down Time

 

The Solution – Install a DVC10 Master Model, DVC21 Input Expansion Module and DVC41 Output Expansion Module. In this application the DVC10, DVC21 and DVC41 system is doing total equipment control:

 

- The DVC System Provides Track Control, Forward/Reverse, Speed and Direction

- The DVC System Provides Hammer Control, Horsepower Limiting and Load Control

- The DVC System Provides On/Off and Speed Control of the Input, Output and Cross Conveyors

 

Remote Equipment ControlDVC10 and Remtron Remote Control Module

 

The Application – Remote Control of Equipment in Hazardous Environments.

 

This application of the tractor was for avalanche and slide control in the states of Washington and Alaska. This tractor must be capable of performing complex cleanup tasks without the operator in the cab. The control system must control:

- Startup and shutdown

- Engine speed

- Ground speed

- Direction

- Steering

- Bucket operations

 

The Challenge – Total Remote Control of Heavy Equipment

 

The Solution – Install a DVC10 Master Control Module

 

- The DVC10 controls the accelerator, bucket raise and lower, bucket dump (both automatic and manual modes) and forward/reverse movement of the equipment.

- The DVC10 was also interfaced to a wireless remote control unit.

 

Aerial Lift

 

The Application – Total control of straight and articulated boom aerial lifts from both the aerial platform and the base unit.

 

The Challenge – How to design the equipment with electronic controls that will not cost more than mechanical controls.

 

This client developed a new line of articulated and straight boom aerial lifts. During the design process they recognize they must be price competitive with other manufacturers in the aerial lift marketplace. They also recognize that the only way to differentiate themselves in the marketplace is to have innovative products. They believe conforming to communications standards (CAN Bus) is important so they can add functionality to their products, as customers require new features and functions.

 

This customer decided early on in the design process that electronic controls of the hydraulics, engine and platform was the right way for them to go. They then set out to find electronics that would meet their needs and be cost competitive with mechanical controls.

 

The Solution – Install a DVC10 Master Model, DVC21 Input Expansion Module and DVC41 Output Expansion Module and DVC50 Universal Output Expansion Module.

 

- The DVC System controls all sub-systems of the aerial lift including, engine speed, lift height and angle, boom articulation and safety interlocks

- Redundant control systems are placed at the base unit for safety

 

This was a complex application because it involves interfacing to joysticks mounted on both the platform and the base unit. It also involves engine control and safety requirements.

 

 

 

 

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