Hydraulics systems will continue to play important role in future too
Published on : Wednesday 03-03-2021
Chandrashekhar S Joshi, R&D Head and Embedded Systems Specialist.
Traditionally fluid power played an important role in automation. Has electrical actuation now taken over?
Not at all. Whereas electrical actuation is being used increasingly, fluid power continues to play an important role as it is the one finally driving the device.
What are the advantages fluid power still offers vis-à-vis electromechanical drives?
There are distinct advantages of Fluid Power over Electromechanical drives. These are a few specific ones:
1. Very high power density, i.e., in a given physical size, fluid power density is almost 2-3 times than equivalent electromechanical drives.
2. This results in overall product size reduction.
3. Reduced wear and tear thus maintenance cost is very low.
Large vehicles and the automotive industry have accounted for much interest in hydraulics. Will the upsurge of electrical vehicles sound a death knell for hydraulics?
Large vehicles obviously need higher power and need to run for very long distances for critical and regular supplies distribution. Hydraulic systems will continue to be an option while working along with electrification as Hybrid vehicles for these ones.
Whereas electric vehicles will offer most reliability, running range and charging stations availability is going to be a challenge. The cost of an EV is not going to come down in next 5-7 years unless disruptive inventions are done immediately. Hence hydraulic systems will continue to play an important role in future too.
What are the new trends that hold promise for hydraulics and pneumatics in the digital era?
Hydraulic systems are being used in earth moving machines, hybrid vehicles and frequent start/stop heavy vehicle applications. Pneumatics will continue to find applications in machines and devices that need high pressure for operations including machine tools and automobile assembly units.
How relevant is fluid power in process industries today?
Hydraulic systems find a niche place probably used jointly along with electrical power in process industries due to two distinct reasons:
1. Space and power density, and
2. Safety requirements like ATEX ones.
Are hydraulic and pneumatic devices compatible and in step with digital technologies and integrate with IIoT seamlessly?
Nowadays hydraulic systems are controlled by electrical systems, which include various sensors too. The controllers as well as intelligent sensors can easily be compatible and integrated for IIoT environments. It is not a big deal at all.
Chandrashekhar S Joshi is a senior Engineering and Technology Professional and Leader – a graduate (1987) with distinction, in Industrial Electronics Engineering from the prestigious University of Pune. He has overall 33+ years of leadership experience, driving large sized technology teams with hands on experience in Design, Development, Testing, Validation and Customer interface for Electronics products as well as Embedded Systems ranging from simple to most complex Product designs – domains being Aerospace, Nuclear, Automotive, Automation, Electrical, Hydraulics, Diesel Engines and Mobile Connectivity (BT/BLE). He also has a very specific experience of Transfer of complete Technology for 3-Phase Locomotive Electronics, from ADtranz – Daimler, the Switzerland based organisation, the products designed and manufactured were for Indian Railways.
With a very strong background of Six Sigma and Green Belt certified, Chandrashekhar has driven Quality Management systems and numerous initiatives in various organisations he has worked with. He has in-depth understanding and assimilation done – of enhanced version of Malcolm Baldrige Business Excellence Model with having owned specific categories under it.
In his extensive career, Chandrashekhar has worked with MNCs like General Electric, Eaton Corporation, as well as large India organisations, viz., Crompton Greaves, Messung Systems (now Mitsubishi Electric), Jayashree Electron and Electronet Equipments Pvt Ltd, Pune – a very well-known organisation for Process Control and Automation Products – as Head, Nuclear Instrumentation Division – responsible for leading the team and driving special projects in electronics systems for nuclear and industrial applications; and Cooper Corporation Pvt Ltd and Uni-Tech Automation Pvt Ltd, Pune – a well-known name for electronic controllers, sensors, panels and wiring harnesses.
Chandrashekhar is presently working with Uni-Tech Automation Pvt Ltd, Pune as R&D Head of Electronics Division leading a team 15+ engineers.