How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Hydraulic Systems?
How to Increase Energy Efficiency in Hydraulic Systems?
Energy consumption in industrial applications is becoming more and more important every day.Although hydraulic systems offer advantages with the high power-to-weight ratio they provide, they are systems that need to be carefully managed in terms of energy efficiency. In this article, we examine practical and technical solutions that save energy with the expertise of Hidroman.
Accurate Sizing of Components
Incorrectly selected components or components that do not comply with the system requirements can lead to high energy losses.
Component
The Impact of the Wrong Choice
The Benefit of the Right Choice
Pump
Pump that is larger than necessary consumes more energy
10-20% energy savings can be achieved with the pump suitable for the system needs
Cylinder
Design well above the target force = empty energy consumption
Less energy use with diameter and stroke cylinder suitable for power requirement
Hose and Connections
Unnecessary large diameter = excess cost / narrow diameter = pressure drop
System stability with diameters optimised for hydraulic flow
Our advice: Choose the ideal component for your system by taking advantage of Hidroman's engineering services.
Optimization of Pressure and Flow Settings
In many systems, it has become a habit to work at high pressures with the thought of "just in case". This leads to the fact that the hydraulic power unit constantly consumes more energy than necessary.
Tip: Every 10 bar of unnecessary pressure increase can result in an energy loss of about 2%.
Application Suggestion: By using proportional valves, you can make the flow and pressure control dynamic in the system and prevent unnecessary power generation.
Oil Quality and the Role of Filtration
The type of hydraulic oil used directly affects the efficiency of the system. Improper viscosity creates friction and resistance within the system.
Critic Parameters
Availability
Effect
Viscosity
Low / High
Heating, leakage, low efficiency
Pollution level
High
Wear, heat increase, valve jamming
Our advice: Constantly monitor oil cleanliness according to ISO 4406 standards. If necessary, implement online filtration systems or flushing processes.
Heat Management – The Silent Killer of Energy Saving
A significant part of the energy losses in hydraulic systems are converted into heat and disappeared from the system. This is detrimental to both energy and component life.
Cooling Recommendations:
Oil cooler integrated systems (air or water cooled)
Temperature sensors to ensure thermal stability
Heat exchangers conveniently located in the pump return line
Keeping the oil temperature between 40–50°C provides the highest efficiency.
Dynamic Energy Management with Intelligent Control Technologies
With today's technology, systems are no longer only mechanically controlled, but also digitally. With the help of PLCs and sensors, hydraulic systems can be operated when needed.
Applications:
Frequency controlled motors (VFD)
Flow management with proportional valves
Pressure-sensitive load control systems
Benefit: These systems can reduce energy consumption by 20-40%.
Periodic Maintenance, Flushing and Diagnostic Monitoring
Maintenance operations that are not carried out on time create not only a risk of failure, but also a continuous loss of energy.
What to Apply:
Flushing: Removal of sediment, dirt and debris inside the pipe
Follow-up of filter changes (with pressure difference sensor)
On-site measurement with mobile oil analyzers
Hidroman Note: Thanks to the flushing services we perform with our certified technicians, we ensure that your system works at the efficiency of the first day.
Achieving energy efficiency in hydraulic systems requires a series of technical optimization and maintenance disciplines. Correct product selection, system analysis, maintenance and control technologies are the basis for preventing energy losses.
Get Support from Hidroman
Contact us for energy efficiency-oriented system design, component supply and maintenance services. ➡️ ✉️www.hidroman.com.tr [email protected]