Stromag launches SHPU range of hydraulic power units

Hydraulic brakes and clutches rely on a supply of pressurised hydraulic fluid from HPUs to operate. Depending on the complexity of the application, HPUs can vary in design and available options. Consequently, specifying a suitable HPU can be challenging. To solve this, Stromag has condensed its old range of HPUs down to three models which offer a full range of options and the performance to operate any of the hydraulic brakes or clutches in the range.

Developed entirely in-house by Stromag, the SHPU range is compact and offers high modularity. The SHPU1, SHPU2 and SHPU3 are available for different duty requirements, with each featuring a highly versatile standard architecture for easy customisation. For example, different motors, brackets and tank sizes can be easily accommodated in the same SHPU model. This inherent flexibility means that the range can cover the full spectrum of hydraulic brake and clutch applications.

Ease of specification is ensured thanks to a public data sheet that shows the performance of every Stromag hydraulic brake when working with each SHPU model. The tables include the opening and closing times for brake and SHPU combinations, with performance data also available for systems incorporating multiple brakes. This useful reference tool allows engineering departments to easily see which SHPU is suitable for specific braking applications and configurations. Furthermore, customers can choose a more optimised solution, whether the SHPU is needed to power multiple fast-closing brakes or a single unit which only opens and closes once a day.

Standardised components, such as the manifold, aluminium tanks and top motor mounting, are shared across the SHPU range, greatly simplifying the integration of additional features. In the instance of the manifold, the common design is ready to accommodate extra electro valves if hydraulic redundancy is required. Furthermore, the standardised design of key components enables straightforward retrofitting of additional options and features when needed. Standardisation also minimises the required parts inventory for SHPU maintenance and repair work.

While featuring standardised components, each SHPU has distinct options.

The SHPU1 is a highly competitive design that is available with one option: a second electro valve integrated into the manifold to ensure hydraulic redundancy.

The SHPU2 is also available with this option, as well as manual lowering, overspeed detection, release levers, flow limiters, regulated braking, stepped braking (ideal for cranes), filter clog indicators, drip trays as well as oil temperature and level electrical indicators (popular in the steel industry).

The SHPU3 is specifically designed for critical applications that require a tailormade solution, such as sudden braking. Optimised for controlling multiple brakes, along with all previous options, the SHPU3 has soft braking, Stromag’s manual overload protection system (MOPS) to release brakes when required, accumulators for increased capacity as well as plug and play hydraulics available.

Electrical controls are also available to support the entire range, from simple terminal boxes to Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) ready solutions. The K-PR offers support for MOPS, soft braking and up to three or four electro valves. At the top of the range, the K-SI with SIMAN provides full hydraulic condition monitoring and certification for challenging braking applications. It is IIOT compatible, providing operators with access to live maintenance data and diagnostics to inform preventative maintenance and improve uptime. Adding to the IIoT functionalities of SIMAN, the device is able drive and secure the SHPU by checking the braking possibility as well as detecting blocked solenoid valves, over pressure and fault codes. It allows a secured braking control system of category 2, and a performance level PL=d according to ISO/IEC 13849-1.

Drawing on Stromag’s exceptional application experience as a global brake and clutch OEM, the SHPU is ideally suited for cranes in nearly all environments. Furthermore, it is suitable for marine vessels or platform applications which involve hydraulic brakes and clutches.