At iVT Expo last week, Sun Hydraulics was highlighting some of its newer technologies, including its eSense counterbalance solution. This load-holding technology allows users to save energy without sacrificing performance. Designated as part of Sun’s ecoline program, this solution adapts to any load and provides up to 85% of energy-efficient power to applications. Combatting the industry’s ongoing challenge for shock absorbtion, eSense also provides up to 90% less oscillation. The compact, low-leakage design is optimized to deliver smooth control and reliable safety.
The company validated this technology in collaboration with Purdue University, for use in applications such as hydraulic presses, gantry cranes, planters, scissor lifts, and material handling machines.
I spoke briefly with Cory Fisher, Director of Engineering Shared Services about Sun Hydraulics’ eSense technology. “eSense is an independent metering solution. The traditional way of controlling a load with counterbalance valves is cross-pilot, with the pilot signal on the counterbalance valve from the opposite end of the cylinder. We’re still doing that, but we’re doing it electronically. We have pressure transducers on both sides, and then we’re closing the loop to maintain a nice steady pressure balance on the cylinder,” Fisher said. “But because we’ve got that that closed loop, we’re able to blow the counterbalance valve out of the way and maintain stable velocity control.”
A study of the Purdue study done by Andrea Vacca, PhD, and team showed an 85% energy reduction in a knuckle boom crane running the eSense. Sun Hydraulics is also working with another customer on a bucket truck specific function which saw a 93% energy reduction.
“We spend a lot of energy just trying to control a load, right? So wasting a little bit of energy is not a problem when the alternative is hurting somebody,” Fisher said. “So it’s exciting to say, let’s take a step forward, do it a little bit differently, and keep hydraulics moving forward.”
The Sun Hydraulics eSense features a uControl Mobile Controller from Enovation Controls. It includes multiple CAN interfaces, high-current output option, IP69K seal, and high heat and high vibration resistance.
Fisher said that any application that needs to safely control a load is a possible end use for the eSense. The valve solution will be available as an orderable, dev kit, and is suited for custom applications looking for energy savings.
Visit Sun Hydraulics to learn more.
