THE HYDRAULIC TRANSFORMER

Enforcing a break through for Efficient Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulics long lacked a good solution for power control by transforming energy, such as a gear box or CVT in mechanical transmissions, or electric transformers in electric systems. Innas decided to develop this solution. The new Floating Cup Transformer is now available.

In Control

The patented Hydraulic Transformer allows to control hydraulic power (pressure and flow) without the considerable energy losses, now connected to throttling in control valves.
It also allows to recuperate energy from loads to accumulators. Transformers allow for a far simpler system architecture, the Common Pressure Rail, comparable with the electricity grid. The basis of the Transformer design is the efficienct Floating Cup principle, which is proven in the market in hydraulic pumps and motors.

Transforming Power

Hydraulic power is often controlled by throttling, which is illustrated by the heat generated in the valve block above. Throttling in a valve is almost like controlling the speed of your car with its brakes, instead of the gas pedal. We believe that hydraulics deserve a better alternative. The new developed Hydraulic transformer allows to control hydraulic power (pressure & flow) without the considerable energy losses.

No Dissipation

Instead of dissipating hydraulic energy the IHT transforms hydraulic energy. In case a lower pressure is needed then delivered by the pump, the transformer takes care of this without dissipating energy. The transformer absorbs the necessary hydraulic power and delivers this power at the required pressure and flow, similar to an electric transformer that transforms voltage and current.

3 connections

The transformer combines the functions of pump and a motor in one design. Therefore the transformer port plate has three ports instead of two. One is connected to the high pressure line. This kidney delivers the power when a load requires flow with a certain pressure. A second kidney is connected to the load. The third is connected to the low pressure line.

Pressure Amplification

The transformer can transform hydraulic energy. This means that the output pressure can also be higher than the input pressure from the common pressure rail. A flow at a relative low pressure can be transformed to a smaller flow at a higher pressure. This offers the opportunity to amplify pressure, without having to change the pump.

Recuperation

The transformer offers the option to recuperate energy to the common pressure rail. For example when a forklift truck lowers a load, this energy represented by the load can be converted to the pressure rail, and stored in a hydraulic accumulator. Refer to our Hydrid page for more details on the drive system

Dynamic Control

The transformer has a very high dynamic response. It allows for very direct and responsive control of loads, almost independent of the accumulator pressure.
The control of the transformer itself requires minimal force, and allows for using a direct electronic control.

STATUS

Development Status

Innas passed the most critical development stages for the transformer. The basic principle was proven in a bent axis design, followed by prototypes on basis of the efficient and low noise Floating Cup design. The prototypes were also implemented in applications, such as lift trucks, off-road machinery and automotive applications.

Tests programs

The development of the FCT80 is recently finished. This design is suited for integration in applications such as mobile machinery. The development program is open for participation and co-operation with OEM's and industries with a strategic interest. Please contact us for further details.

Licensing and evaluation

The transformer technology will be licensed-out to the market. Relevant data on the Hydraulic Transformer te suchnology, the performance and recent development status is available through our download page. In case you are having further questions, please contact us.

DOWNLOADS

Hydraulic Transformer publications

Click on the zip icon or here to download a zip-file with all scientific papers which have been published on the Hydraulic Transformer and the Common Pressure Rail.