HYDAC has developed a hydraulic generator that converts surplus hydraulic power into electrical energy, opening up new possibilities for power supply in mobile machines, particularly in agriculture. This type of equipment can be used to create an independent power source in applications where access to electricity is otherwise limited, such as through a tractor’s battery and alternator.
The hydraulic generator is driven by a hydraulic motor supplied with oil from the machine’s hydraulic system, either via a variable or fixed displacement piston pump. Integrated control ensures that the electrical output is adapted to the required load, providing a stable and continuous power supply for the machine’s electrical components.
A key advantage of HYDAC’s solution is that it utilizes surplus hydraulic power rather than allowing it to be lost. This makes the system particularly useful in machines with high electrical power demand—for example in precision agriculture, where advanced sensors and electronic systems place high demands on the power source, or when additional equipment on a trailer needs to be supplied.
Technically, the generator is based on a direct-drive design in which the hydraulic motor and generator are connected without the need for belts or gearboxes. This reduces maintenance requirements and increases operational reliability compared with traditional drive systems. The integrated control can also interact with the hydraulic load-sensing system to regulate speed and power as needed.
The generator is designed for easy installation on existing machines and can produce voltage adapted to different system requirements. For many mobile applications, this means that the machine’s electrical system can be expanded without the need for oversized batteries or costly external generators.
Hydraulic generators of this type represent a growing trend toward more efficient use of energy resources in mobile machinery and can help meet increasing electrical power demands in areas such as agriculture, construction and material handling, where access to the conventional power grid is often limited.
