The patented NorrDigiTM system uses a highly efficient, multi-chamber digital actuator, which can reduce or even eliminate much of a machine’s hydraulics. It can eliminate, for example, the need for a main control valve (MCV), the heart of a traditional hydraulic system. It also allows to reduce the capacity of the hydraulic pumps and the number of hoses and pipes in the machine. This system requires less energy, offering the possibility of reducing the size and power of the motors currently used in the equipment.

The tests and evaluations of this new technology, currently in progress, demonstrate both an improvement in efficiency and an increase in productivity. The significant reduction in carbon dioxide emissions makes the equipment even more environmentally friendly. Volvo CE and Norrhydro have signed a contract under which both companies will continue to develop this technology in the coming years. Volvo CE has exclusive rights to use the system on its machines during the development process.

Smart cylinders

Unlike traditional hydraulic cylinders, with two chambers, one for compression and one for relief, the digital hydraulic actuator uses four chambers that can be connected in up to 16 different combinations, depending on the load required in the operation. “It’s like a 16-speed linear transmission,” says Peter Stambro, Norrhydro’s vice president of business development. “Multi-chamber cylinders have been around for some time. What makes them exceptional is the way they have been combined with advanced electronic management systems, in which complex algorithms and high computational speed allow instantaneous responses using only a fraction of the energy for the same maneuver or action of the machine. machine, compared to the traditional model, “he explains.

“Partnerships like this, with outside experts, demonstrate how we can accelerate our own path to sustainability through technical innovation,” says Thomas Bitter, Volvo CE CTO. “In the research and development carried out so far, the system shows its greatest benefits in larger equipment, in the case of excavators, those with 30 tons of operating weight or more. But in the future, this technology could also be used in electrical machines, where the higher efficiency of the hydraulic system would allow to extend effectively battery life and operating window on load, “says Bitter.

Field tests

Using a 30 ton EC300E excavator as a test bed, the technology passed its initial phase of proof of concept and durability. Now, you will move on to a field test period, in which the prototypes will be used in real applications, on selected clients.

“The ability to develop this technology in partnership with one of the leading leaders in the construction machinery industry offers many benefits, including accelerating product time-to-market,” says Yrjö Trög, CEO of Norrhydro. “We will invest in a new world-class factory to support the launch. We look forward to the introduction of the NorrDigiTM system together with Volvo CE, ”he highlights.

Norrhydro Oy

Specializing in smart and environmentally friendly hydraulic solutions for heavy equipment, Norrhydro Oy is a Finnish-based hydraulic cylinder company. In a phase of strong growth, it has just turned 35.