Hydroware: With IoT Into the Future

Your author (SM) talks to Matt Thompson (MT), managing director at Hydroware U.K., Ltd., about the company’s focus on sustainability and the opportunities of digitalisation.

Suzanne McCoy

SM: Can you tell us about Hydroware?

MT: Hydroware AB is a Swedish-based manufacturer of the now-well-known HydroElite system. The founder, Kjell Johansson, developed an integrated control and drive system for hydraulic modernisation solutions with a focus on sustainability of lifts through circular economy. Founded in 1998, the product was launched in the Scandanavian market to provide a one-stop shop and support for control and drive systems. This enables customers to find a solution for both the electrical control system and power unit drive control whilst retaining some valuable major components of the lift system that are in perfectly good condition, rather than fully replace and drive waste and unnecessary use of raw source materials.

Hydroware entered the market in the U.K. shortly afterward with a valuable partnership that continues today, offering to supply and install a turnkey solution. However, many customers wanted to purchase the solution on a supply-only basis and organise the project management and installation in-house, so in 2013, Hydroware (U.K.) Ltd. was formed to support the local market.

SM: How has the design of hydraulic lifts evolved over the years?

MT: Hydraulic lifts are an ideal solution for many structural situations. Technical developments in recent years have not only made modernising existing lifts into an attractive option again, where the existing infrastructure can often be used in a cost-saving manner, but also the new construction of complete lifts. Modern hydraulic lifts are energy efficient, clean and sustainable.

SM: What does Hydroware’s motto “we build forever” mean?

MT: Sustainability: Lifts replaced when they could be modernised. Throwing away good materials and digging new ones out of the ground is a waste of natural and human resources. Returning to a modular approach to create lifts that can be modernised and reduce waste; in the past, there has been a focus on energy efficiency that is good but, unfortunately, very few have been thinking of resource efficiency, despite the fact that we knew 30-plus years ago that we are consuming more resources than we’re producing to keep the planet in balance.

SM: You are launching the new HydroElite H2 Vici at interlift 2022, as well as the new H2 controller for current models Veni and Vidi. What does this new model bring to the market?

MT: The latest HydroElite version from Hydroware permits full cloud connection to Internet of Things (IoT) applications. It is very simple and comfortable to operate and, at the same time, supports sustainable management. A new, completely digitalised menu using an in-built web browser, integrated secure WLAN and pre-installed mobile connection create the preconditions for this.

Special features include an inverter drive with integrated recovery of energy and web-based user interface with IoT services. The entire system is fully devoted to CANopen ­Lift and equipped with SIL3 positioning safety system. The modernisation package for hydraulic lifts from Hydroware works with the latest technology: this includes a high-resolution interface, perfectly adapted to smartphones and tablets.

The new controller will be fitted with a permanent industrial touch display. However, it is also possible to connect any smartphone, tablet or laptop via a QR code with the HydroElite network and obtain full access to the user interface. All requirements can be intuitively controlled via a clear graphical user interface, which provides access to a wide range of statistical information.

It is also possible to retrofit existing HydroElite systems with an IoT HydroCloud providing IoT applications and an overview of the lift installation performance. This supplies a retrofit live web-based access to the lift functions, error codes, warning messages, energy consumption, lift uptime and number of journeys per day, hour, week and year.

Remote access is also possible with the new H2 for Hydroware technicians to enable them to work together on troubleshooting. A customer-specific web-based portal allows remote access to be controlled and to carry out remote diagnoses and change settings. In practice, this means not every parameter assignment, disruption or error message requires on-site deployment. Nevertheless, should on-site deployment be necessary, troubleshooting is more straightforward, and disruptions can be eliminated more easily and quickly. Moreover, the technician is supported by a virtual coach.

Of course, the new lift controller also adheres to the Hydroware motto of easy installation. Integrating CANopen Lift devices is child’s play via the menu interface. This simplifies integrating shaft copying or door drives. Other new features include the new energy recovery of the Vici model through energy feedback during descents, which leads to a further clear reduction in energy consumption. The building connected load is another 10% below the current Vidi. Consequently, with Hydroware, you are deciding on a sustainable, energy-efficient and forward-looking drive solution.

SM: What do you think is the key to Hydroware’s success?

MT: The key to Hydroware’s success is a highly qualified team throughout the organisation that complements the product in efficiency and an easy-to-use approach with a product that is fast and simple to install. We are on hand to support our customers every step of the way through the process of enquiry to maintenance and beyond through the whole life of the lift, but it starts with our R&D.

To ensure that all Hydroware products reach their full potential, we invest considerable resources in product development. Therefore, 15% of our employees are working directly with the product development.

We give our customers state-of-the-art technology and confidence. We aim to be at the forefront of technological development, as well as durability. The products are robust and capable of modernising while also being energy and resource efficient. This gives our customers, and their customers, a sound economy.

SM: What are your views on training in the lift industry?

MT: With so many styles, types and manufacturers of lifts in the market, it is almost impossible for current lift engineers and technicians to keep on top of all products, especially during the operational maintenance period of a lift’s life. That’s why we develop products that are easy to understand, easy to install and provide local technical support in each of the markets we are present.

At Hydroware, we will offer customers tailored field training from installation and commissioning, servicing, troubleshooting, technicians’ education and management of the delivery process so that they understand the whole philosophy of the HydroElite experience.

We will offer training to the field sales engineers in order to understand the critical existing lift criteria that is fundamental to organising the right choice in solution, whether it be for modernisation or completely new lift installation, so there is every chance of getting it right the first time.

All participants are issued with a Hydroware course certificate of training to update and keep for their personal training records. Of course, in the future with the benefit of a virtual environment, it will be possible to conduct some virtual session digitalised, but we are not stopping there. We are currently completing a series of video instructions so these can be viewed on public media formats or sent via links to those who need a refresher understanding of the methodology of Hydroware so that the HydroElite experience is something that sets the benchmark for the industry.