Press releases

Technology of the future – Nr. 2/2010

Baumüller and Sensor-Technik Wiedemann cooperate in the development of a hybrid drive system

Nuremberg. Nuremberg-based drive manufacturer Baumüller and Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbH (STW) from Kaufbeuren have collaborated closely on a joint project to develop a mobile diesel-electric machine. The recently signed cooperation agreement signals the expansion of the joint development and production operations in the field of hybrid drive technology.

The mobile diesel-electric machine is part of a powerMELA® hybrid drive system designed to be used in, for example, agricultural and construction machinery or commercial vehicles. It consists of a generator which is driven by a diesel engine and generates a direct voltage of 745 volts via an integrated rectifier. The resulting power can then be made available to a rotation-independent DC power supply network.

Other electrical machines then function as motors to drive the wheels from this power system either directly or via gears and can be easily controlled and regulated via a CAN bus system. The power supply network also permits the electrical operation of add-on units and accessories. Excess energy can be stored in a battery. Modified DS-series servo motors from Baumüller are used for the generator, the main drives and the auxiliary drives. Because of their high power density and excellent efficiency, these motors are particularly suitable for applications which call for high energy efficiency.

“The demand for powerful, efficient hybrid drives for mobile machines is growing enormously. Thanks to our technology partnership with Baumüller we can call on the expertise of a drive manufacturer whose electric motors have been established in the market for decades. This enabled us to create synergies and develop a sustainable solution whose market prospects we regard as excellent,” says Wolfgang Wiedemann, CEO of Sensor-Technik Wiedemann, in describing the motivation for the joint R&D work.

For Nuremberg-based drive and automation specialist Baumüller the collaboration with STW means the development of new markets: “In classic industrial applications the system concept and the replacement of hydraulic elements to improve the energy balance are playing an increasingly important role. Our knowledge in this field complements STW’s expertise as a system integrator in the field of sensor and control technology, thereby opening up new opportunities in the technical design of the drive system for both sides,” says Andreas Baumüller, Chief Technical Officer at Baumüller Holding GmbH & Co. KG. “Because of the high energy costs and increasing environmental awareness there will be no way round hybrid drive concepts in future, particularly with regards to mobile machines. We are therefore convinced that the powerMELA® project and the cooperation with STW represent an important step towards gaining a lasting foothold in this market of the future,” continues Baumüller.

About Sensor-Technik Wiedemann

Sensor-Technik Wiedemann GmbH was established in 1985 by Katharina and Wolfgang Wiedemann. Apart from STW, the company group includes Kaufbeurer Mikrosysteme Wiedemann GmbH (KMW), STW Technic LP, USA and Sensor Technik Ltd., UK. Cooperations with numerous representatives around the world are also in place. The company currently has a workforce of some 380 staff.

High-tech products in the fields of microelectronics and power electronics are developed and manufactured. The product portfolio covers closed- and open-loop control systems for mobile machines and microsystem-based sensors for harsh operating conditions. The company group develops future orientated products for automotive hybrid drives and for the use of fuel cells. Sensor-Technik Wiedemann has been a long-term, reliable partner to a broad customer base from the automotive, mechanical engineering, plant engineering, medical technology and food industries and is one of the leading suppliers in the fields of programmable controllers and customised measurement technology applications. In future, the company group plans to continue to play a significant role in the development, production and marketing of components for mobile machines. In particular, the aim is to advance the development of energy-saving and convenient systems. This involves developing components for diesel-electric drives, battery-powered machines and as part of the future vision, components for fuel cell drives.

About the Baumüller Group

More than 40 locations around the globe and collaboration with customers in every mechanical engineering and industrial sector make drive and automation manufacturer Baumüller the preferred technology partner in all major markets. Since 1930 the engineering expertise of its staff, currently numbering some 1500, has allowed the Nuremberg-based company group to develop innovative and market-compliant solutions which are used as individual components or complete systems. The emphasis is on achieving integrated one-stop automation solutions offering extreme flexibility at the greatest possible cost effectiveness. A complete engineering and service offer for all drive engineering applications ensures decisive market benefits for the customer – and better performance from the production lines, systems and machines.