This contribution presents an operating strategy for a novel valve structure for mobile machines’ working hydraulics which combines the flexibility and energetic benefits of individual metering with the functionality of common primary pressure compensation (IPC). The aim is to set up a system that uses a minimal amount of sensors and simple control algorithms. A control strategy theoretically described in /1/ is modified to facilitate the practical implementation on a mini excavator implement as a test rig. This test rig consists only of components that are currently available off-the-shelf to show that it is possible to develop an individual metering system under these economic restrictions. The novel is more energy efficient than common flow sharing systems but provides the same functionality. The control algorithm is experimentally evaluated in terms of functionality and energy consumption. Simulations show potential for further improvements.

This contribution presents an operating strategy for a novel valve structure for mobile machines’ working hydraulics which combines the flexibility and energetic benefits of individual metering with the functionality of common primary pressure compensation (IPC). The aim is to set up a system that uses a minimal amount of sensors and simple control algorithms. A control strategy theoretically described in /1/ is modified to facilitate the practical implementation on a mini excavator implement as a test rig. This test rig consists only of components that are currently available off-the-shelf to show that it is possible to develop an individual metering system under these economic restrictions. The novel is more energy efficient than common flow sharing systems but provides the same functionality. The control algorithm is experimentally evaluated in terms of functionality and energy consumption. Simulations show potential for further improvements.

Conventional electrohydraulic solutions integrate easily into modern machine concepts by utilizing field bus technology. Nevertheless, most use cases are limited to machine automation concepts. Integration into higher-level data and IoT systems is the key for positioning of electrohydraulic solutions within the factory of the future. CytroConnect is a new approach for the integration of electrohydraulic systems into IoT environments and the corresponding market offerings. Bosch Rexroth decided not only to integrate IoT-ready features like pre-installed sensor packages but also a modular automation concept providing decentralized intelligence with an open multi-ethernet interface. An edge-to-cloud connectivity stack operated by Bosch turns the target into a Connected Product. The convergence of physical and digital product can be realized. Based on that the digital service CytroConnect solves concrete holistic use cases like visualization and condition monitoring by offering a web-based dashboard of all relevant sensor data that is accessible everywhere. Modular paid add-ons offered as risk-free monthly subscriptions address further smart maintenance and prediction use cases.