AGRITECHNICA DRIVETRAIN
DANFOSS
87
Embracing all perspectives November 10-16, 2019
Danfoss
Hall 16, Stand B20
LESSONS CAN BE LEARNT IN THE OEM SECTOR BY ANALYZING EVENTS OF
THE PAST AHEAD OF INVESTMENT IN NEW TECHNOLOGY SUCH AS DRIVE-BY-WIRE,
ELECTRIC DRIVETRAINS AND DIGITAL DISPLACEMENT TECHNOLOGIES
iVTInternational.com September 2019
The off-highway industry is shifting. In recent
years, new technologies have emerged, driving
innovation and altering how we operate. There’s been
an explosion in the use of electronics and software
to not only control the fluid power on machines, but
also to enable new levels of automation and advanced
integrated solutions.
While this shapes the industry on the whole, its
impacts to the agriculture segment may lie farther
down the road. This puts agriculture OEMs in a unique
position, as they must focus on implementing
leading solutions today while preparing to tackle
tomorrow’s technology.
Solutions for today
Today, one of the biggest challenges in designing
agriculture equipment is factoring in faster driving
speeds, in addition to the increased safety regulations
that come with it.
A good example of a system that helps overcome
these challenges is fail-safe steer-by-wire technology.
It allows for the steering column to be removed and
replaced with smaller steering input devices, such as
a joystick or mini wheel.
Not only does steer-by-wire allow for increased
flexibility, but safety functionality is already integrated
into the system design.
ABOVE: Electrification will impact
a wide variety of agricultural vehicles
The present
Although one of the emerging off-highway trends is
electrification, it isn’t yet as suitable for agriculture in
particular. The duty cycles in construction equipment,
for example, better lend themselves to hybrid and/or
electric architectures, as the load is not as constant
as those in agriculture. This, coupled with inner-city
emissions regulations, drives the push toward these
new technologies.
While there isn’t as much regulation outside of city
limits, this may change. This would mean agriculture
OEMs would have to figure out how to implement new
technologies in a way that makes the most sense for
them. Companies like Danfoss Power Solutions already
have experience implementing these new technologies.
Examples include new digital displacement technology
and the Editron electric drivetrain system.
Digital displacement is a natively digital hydraulic
innovation. It utilizes a radial piston machine, which
enables and disables cylinders in real time through the
use of ultra-fast mechatronic valves. Essentially, these
intelligent digital controls create a machine that is highly
controllable and efficient.
Achieving a future proof plan
There is no escaping change as in our climate, it is simply
a given. However, investing in the right areas now can
help OEMs keep pace with that change. At present,
OEMs who take the steps to ensure their business
plan is both capable and flexible as regulations shift
underneath their feet will be set up for success for
years to come.
One of the most important things OEMs can do in
the coming year is to spend time creating a road map
for how they will evolve with the industry. Take the time
to think through new technologies and competencies
and identify where it makes sense to invest in-house
or find a partner.
Joining forces
Finding a long-term partner who can assist in
implementing the latest technology is not just strategic
– it’s smart. OEMs who adopt a partner model moving
forward will be the ones who can implement new
solutions – whether it’s traditional hydraulic technology
or future electrification solutions – the fastest and most
effectively. It could mean the difference between being
an industry leader or another trend follower. iVT
By Morten Clausen, senior director of Integrated Solutions,
at Danfoss Power Solutions
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