Jan 19 • Dieseko Group
Future developments and strategic impact of Electric Power Units
EHPU News Series: Part 3
Electrification of foundation equipment is still in an early
phase, and the Electric Power Units should be seen as an important but
not final step. Several developments are likely to shape the coming
years.
Looking Ahead
Dedicated electric tools
One possible direction is the development of fully electric vibratory hammers and other foundation tools, where electric motors are integrated directly into the attachment. For specific, fixed-purpose setups – for example cranes that always work with the same hammer type – such solutions could offer efficiency gains.
However, for most contractors the flexibility of hydraulic tools remains a key advantage. With an Electric Hydraulic Power Unit, one powerpack can drive many different attachments, which keeps fleets versatile and capital expenditure under control. It is therefore likely that electric-hydraulic systems will remain the dominant solution for some time.
However, for most contractors the flexibility of hydraulic tools remains a key advantage. With an Electric Hydraulic Power Unit, one powerpack can drive many different attachments, which keeps fleets versatile and capital expenditure under control. It is therefore likely that electric-hydraulic systems will remain the dominant solution for some time.
Alternative energy carriers
Hydrogen and advanced biofuels are frequently discussed as alternative energy carriers for heavy equipment. In the context of EHPUs, hydrogen is particularly interesting as a fuel for stationary generators that charge battery containers or feed the grid connection. Availability, infrastructure and regulation are still developing, but in the longer term such combinations could further reduce the carbon footprint of foundation projects.
Digitalisation and remote support
The current Electric Hydraulic Power Unit range already includes online monitoring and remote service options. As data connectivity on jobsites improves, these capabilities will become more important. Remote performance monitoring, predictive maintenance and integration with project planning systems can all help contractors get more value from their EHPUs.
The Values brought by EHPU's
1. Zero-emission operation without replacing fleets
The central problem the EHPU range addresses is how to meet zero-emission requirements without replacing entire fleets of hydraulic tools. Many contractors own multiple vibratory hammers, impact hammers and rotary heads that are technically in excellent condition and have a long remaining service life.
By using an Electric Hydraulic Power Unit, these tools can be operated in exactly the same way as with a diesel power pack. The hoses, control systems and working methods remain largely unchanged. The difference is that the energy comes from an electric motor powered from the grid or a battery container instead of a combustion engine. For operators the transition is therefore relatively low-threshold: the equipment behaves as expected, but the jobsite meets zero-emission criteria.
By using an Electric Hydraulic Power Unit, these tools can be operated in exactly the same way as with a diesel power pack. The hoses, control systems and working methods remain largely unchanged. The difference is that the energy comes from an electric motor powered from the grid or a battery container instead of a combustion engine. For operators the transition is therefore relatively low-threshold: the equipment behaves as expected, but the jobsite meets zero-emission criteria.
2. Flexibility for different tools and projects
One Electric Hydraulic Power Unit can power a wide variety of hydraulic tools. Contractors can operate different sizes of Dieseko vibratory hammers, as well as other hydraulic equipment such as impact hammers, rotary heads and dredging pumps, using the same EHPU. This flexibility is important, because foundation projects differ significantly in pile type, soil conditions and required energy.
Instead of investing in several specialized electric tools, contractors can invest in one or more EHPUs and combine them with their existing hydraulic attachments. The power range from 250e up to 1100e covers applications from light urban pile driving to heavy-duty deep foundation works.
Instead of investing in several specialized electric tools, contractors can invest in one or more EHPUs and combine them with their existing hydraulic attachments. The power range from 250e up to 1100e covers applications from light urban pile driving to heavy-duty deep foundation works.
3. Working where diesel is not allowed
There are applications where diesel-powered machinery is simply not permitted, such as tunnels, underground stations and enclosed urban spaces. In these environments Electric Hydraulic Power Units provide a practical alternative. The EHPU can be connected via hoses to the hydraulic tool at the work front. When combined with external battery containers or a remote generator running on biogas or hydrogen, the solution can be adapted to local constraints without compromising on power.
4. A realistic hybrid path for cranes
Many foundation cranes still have considerable remaining lifetime and are equipped with diesel engines that do not yet meet the latest emission standards. For these cranes, retrofitting to full electric drive is often not economical. A realistic intermediate step is to upgrade the crane engine to a Stage V-compliant diesel and prepare the machine for connection to a large Electric Hydraulic Power Unit such as the 1100e.
In this hybrid configuration the crane can operate fully electric when connected to the EHPU. For transport or emergency situations the diesel engine remains available as a backup. This approach gives contractors the operational security they need on critical jobs, for example when a tool must be extracted from the ground before concrete sets.
In this hybrid configuration the crane can operate fully electric when connected to the EHPU. For transport or emergency situations the diesel engine remains available as a backup. This approach gives contractors the operational security they need on critical jobs, for example when a tool must be extracted from the ground before concrete sets.
5. Independence from battery technology cycles
By not integrating batteries into the EHPUs, Dieseko avoids a number of technical and organizational issues that would otherwise fall on contractors. Large lithium-based battery systems require specialized maintenance, careful thermal management and compliance with evolving fire-safety regulations. At the same time, the technology is progressing quickly: a battery container developed today may be outdated within a few years.
Separating hydraulic power generation from energy storage allows contractors to combine EHPUs with the most suitable battery solutions available at any given moment, without shortening the useful life of their foundation equipment.
Separating hydraulic power generation from energy storage allows contractors to combine EHPUs with the most suitable battery solutions available at any given moment, without shortening the useful life of their foundation equipment.
Conclusion
Electrification of heavy foundation equipment is complex, but necessary if the sector is to meet tightening emission regulations and societal expectations. Dieseko’s Electric Hydraulic Power Unit range offers contractors a realistic way forward. By electrifying the hydraulic power source instead of the tools themselves, the EHPUs combine zero-emission operation with the continued use of existing hydraulic fleets.
With four models from 250e to 1100e, based on proven electric motor technologies and standardised 400 V AC connections, the range covers a broad spectrum of foundation applications. Coupled with external battery containers, biogas or hydrogen-powered generators and increasingly capable grid connections, Electric Hydraulic Power Units are poised to play a central role on the zero-emission jobsite of the future.
With four models from 250e to 1100e, based on proven electric motor technologies and standardised 400 V AC connections, the range covers a broad spectrum of foundation applications. Coupled with external battery containers, biogas or hydrogen-powered generators and increasingly capable grid connections, Electric Hydraulic Power Units are poised to play a central role on the zero-emission jobsite of the future.
SUPPORT & COOPERATION
Machinist Ltd
Ivanna Rukin and Machinist Oy will assume complete leadership of the development of this project. Machinist will manage the production team and project management.
Factories
Factories such as Junttan, Movax, Dieseko Group, ArcelorMittel and other international construction equipment manufacturers have a continuous willingness to share their knowledge, introduce it and cooperate with the engineering teams.
Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK)
Mechanical Engineering Department and Mr. Antti Hänninen in the Häme University of Applied Sciences (HAMK) are invited to help with project implementation.
Kajaani University of Applied Sciences
We are collaborating with Kajaani University of Applied Sciences (Kajaani AMK) which has recently received government funding for the development of VR and 3D technologies. This collaboration provides an opportunity for us to leverage Kajaani AMK's expertise and resources in the development of our online education platform. Kajaani AMK is open to ideas and ready to provide resources to support for our efforts in integrating VR and 3D technologies into our platform. This collaboration can provide us with access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, enabling us to stay ahead of the curve and offer a unique and innovative learning experience for our users.
Finnish government (Ministry of Education)
The platform is supported by the Finnish government:
1. Financially ( the country subsidizes the budget for education)
2. Technology infrastructure
3. Promotion at the government level, compulsory for the engineering force
Foreign governments
As a pilot project, the Uzbekistani government has already agreed to accept this platform as a mandatory tool for engineering society. It was agreed with the Ministry of Education that all engineers in the country would be required to undergo this kind of education. The Uzbekistan government recognizes the importance of investing in the education and training of its workforce, especially in the construction and piling industry, which has seen significant growth in recent years. By mandating this educational program, the government aims to ensure that Uzbekistan's workforce is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to meet the demands of the industry.
Other institutions
Other educational organizations such as universities and technical polytechnics can benefit from the platform by accessing resources that can supplement their own educational offerings.
CORPORATE TRAINING PLATFORM
- A corporate training platform refers to a software designed to offer various training tools and resources. These resources can encompass further professional education and virtual training. This platform represents a progressive step forward in the realm of corporate training.
- Corporate learning platform encompasses training programs created by companies to educate their stakeholders on new processes, tools, technical skills, and other essential knowledge to align with current market trends. This platform refines and empowers the stakeholders, equipping them to efficiently tackle tasks and meet the demands of the business. We are especially targeting engineers in developing markets within Central Asia, South Asia, the Caucasus Area, and further on Latin America. These markets cover huge geographical areas but infrastructure-wise leaving continuous growth and development. The local workforce is in demand to broaden their vision to international projects.
- Without exaggeration, Finland, the Netherlands and neighboring countries are the world leaders in the industry of foundation and ground construction with innovative piling technologies. The area possesses a high level of know-how in this field.
EXPANSION INTO FOREIGN MARKETS IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Example: Challenges in Central Asia
Low cost of human labor
Due to the low cost of labor in the area, modern building technology and machine usage are being adopted gradually. The majority of workers on modern building projects are manual laborers, which results in low industrialization. New machinery are needed as soon as new construction approaches are adopted, which is both a difficulty and an opportunity.
Cultural mindset
In post-Soviet countries, the responsibility for infrastructural construction, development, and architecture is outsourced to so-called "Project Development Institutes." These institutes are partially private but mainly are government entities responsible for studying and implementing all innovations that are approved as legislation and used on the job sites. As a result, construction methodologies in the Project Development Institutes of the region are old and follow post-Soviet structure. The local engineering force, due to their old age, requires a lot of education about new technologies, modern ways of ground construction, and the use of new machines.
Safety requirements
The recent earthquake in Turkey has led to a surge of awareness regarding foundation construction and safety in seismic areas. In Central Asia, where a lot of ambitious projects are about to evolve drives demand for knowledge and international experience. This has resulted in local professionals actively seeking new solutions and knowledge to ensure the safety of their own construction projects.Absence of active know-howIn this market, there are no other competitors offering the same type of service to customers. Therefore, our online "University" will offer a unique value proposition to promote our know-how and machinery in the target markets. By providing access to the latest knowledge and industry insights, we can help local professionals stay ahead of the curve and meet the demands of the industry. This will not only benefit our business but also contribute to the overall economic growth and development of the region.
Industrialization level
Lower rate of technological usage in terms of machines and equipment. A lot of steps in the process are completed in an old-fashioned way. High demand in infrastructural construction requires knowledge and implementation of modern technology.
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