If one sector within the equipment world is making great strides in greening, it is the foundation industry. Under the motto "Founding the Future," Dieseko Group showed at the last bauma several products to work emission-free, such as the Woltman 90DRe drilling rig or the PVE 24VMe electric vibrator. A nice intermediate step towards sustainability is offered by PVE with the EHPU series. The Electric-Hydraulic Power Unit makes it possible to drive existing drilling and piling rigs completely electrically. In other words, doubly sustainable.
In an interview, Marion van den Akker and Michiel Schaminée, Area Managers Benelux at Dieseko Group, explain this innovative concept. The EH Power Unit has been around for about seven years and was initially built on behalf of Soletanche Bachy, one of the largest contractors in the world. The concept was given a prominent place on the Dieseko booth during bauma 2019. "Back then hardly anyone looked at it, there was simply no interest in it yet," Michiel outlines the pioneering role played by the Dutch manufacturer. Three years later, the PVE 700e showed off as an EHPU model at the international trade fair in Munich. The interest in zero-emission appeared to have grown considerably in the meantime.
For now, the series includes three types: 250e, 400e and 700e, referring to maximum oil flow rates of 268, 416 and 725 l/min at 350 bar operating pressure, respectively. Soon to be added is the PVE 1100Pe (max. 1197 l/min oil flow), developed together with Gebr. van 't Hek. After an extensive test phase, the official handover took place at the end of August last. Unlike the 1100Pe and the PM-HPP type previously designed for Soletanche, the three smaller models feature one or two air-cooled asynchronous electric motors instead of permanent magnet motors. "Cage-anchored motors, while less compact and somewhat less durable, are significantly cheaper and available worldwide," Michiel knows.
The AC motors in the EHPUs deliver maximum power of 160, 264 (2x 132 kW) or 404 kW (2x 202 kW). This is more than enough to both drive foundation machines and run standalone. Dieseko's EHPU line provides enough power for foundation machines to electrically drive vibratory hammers, pile drivers, drilling motors or dredge pumps. The flagship PVE 1100Pe can also be used independently, but it is primarily intended for use on the back of a Woltman 90DR or its predecessor THW 7528-D. Its multifunctional design makes this Electric-Hydraulic Power Unit suitable for a multitude of machines. Marion: "We like to think along with you about how older equipment can also be used emission-free, regardless of make, type or age."
The maxim is that as long as oil passes through it, Dieseko can provide a zero-emission solution. Be it foundation equipment, industrial machinery, dredge pumps, debris crushers or agricultural vehicles. By establishing a bypass to the valve valves, the EHPU can electrically drive the hydraulic system of both the crane and the attachment (vibratory block, drill motor or pile driver). PVE's 1100Pe is suitable for high-frequency vibratory blocks with an eccentric moment of up to 35 kgm (max. 1197 l/min oil flow), a 110M low-frequency block or pile drivers up to 28 tons of drop weight. The 700e works with high-frequency vibratory blocks in the popular class up to 28 kgm, but can also be used for drilling or pile driving. At low loads, only one of the electric motors runs, making economical use of energy.
According to Marion and Michiel, many foundation companies are considering upgrading engines on older equipment. "With the EHPU, they do not have to invest in conversion or new machines and can still work emission-free where necessary. Without too high costs you can thus work in a sustainable and responsible way," it sounds promising. "Thanks to its smart design, the EH Power Unit is quick and easy to add to existing machines. This Dieseko solution is good for both your business and the environment." The EHPU runs on 400V AC/50 Hz power and connects directly to mains power or a battery pack. Isolation is provided to reduce noise pollution and Drivelink Remote Diagnostics to remotely monitor or adjust operation if necessary.