Haldex wins Major Hydraulics and Pneumatics Award for 2009

Haldex has won the Swedish Association for Hydraulics and Pneumatics’ Major Hydraulics and Pneumatics Award for 2009 for its hydraulic coupling for all-wheel drive systems, Generation 5.

The prize of SEK 100,000 has been awarded to Bo Lundström, Haldex Traction AB, and Lars Severinsson of Severinssons Maskinkonsult AB for their work on the integration of an axial piston pump featuring a centrifugal pressure regulator. This represents a new solution that generates low energy consumption, advanced dynamics and robust function in all-wheel-drive systems. Commenting on the award, Hans Engström, Development Manager at Haldex’s Traction Systems division, said: “Haldex’s hydraulic coupling for all-wheel operation of Generation V demonstrates how it is possible to capitalize on the best features of hydraulics. An axial piston pump featuring a centrifugal pressure regulator represents a highly compact solution characterized by low energy consumption, advanced dynamics and robust function.” The design of the coupling is an example of optimal system construction, whereby the vehicle industry’s demands for high performance, high availability, low weight and low costs have been finely balanced and the strengths of hydraulics have been put to excellent use. The coupling has been designed in accordance with the “Sealed for Life” principle, meaning that no maintenance is needed that would result in the coupling being dismounted during the vehicle’s life. The fact that the product has already resulted in a very large order worth SEK 4.5 billion from VW is a logical consequence of a well-balanced system design. The Major Hydraulics and Pneumatics Award is awarded annually to a person or persons who have contributed in a unique manner to forwarding development in the hydraulics and pneumatics area. The winners are appointed by a jury of highly qualified representatives of industry, the academic community and the Association Fluid Scandinavia.