System integrator Verhoef Elektrotechniek from Sliedrecht in the Netherlands implements turnkey electrotechnical systems for the maritime industry. This often requires customized new developments. Bachmann electronic’s flexible hardware and software solutions ensure cost-optimized integration with rapid implementation.
“Our collaboration began with the control of compact dredgers from Dredge Yard. And that went really well,” recalls Erwin Ströhmeijer, Senior Software Engineer at Verhoef Elektrotechniek.”
Proportional Valve Amplifier PVA208
Verhoef were the first to use the PVA208 proportional valve amplifier module for maritime vessels. According to Ströhmeijer, the module is unique because, on the one hand, there is no need to control a hydraulic amplifier to regulate the oil flow. And on the other hand, the tedious and difficult-to-measure settings in the amplifier card are no longer necessary. For the compact dredgers from Dredge Yard, the experts use a single Bachmann MX207 processor. For larger ships, up to three CPUs from the MC series are used.
Flexibility is key
Even with smaller dredgers, complexity is not to be underestimated, explains Edwin van den Dool, Sales Manager at Verhoef. The control would be just as complex as their large counterparts. Here too, battery and power management systems, fuel monitoring and the correct load distribution would have to be implemented.
This requires open and flexible solutions with comprehensive communication capabilities. The support of various bus systems such as CAN (J1939), Profinet or Modbus in the M200 system is therefore extremely helpful for Verhoef during project implementation, says Erwin Ströhmeijer.
First choice
Over the last years, Verhoef has experienced significant growth and made major progress in the field of control technology. Bachmann electronic is now well established on board: “Whenever we have the opportunity to use Bachmann solutions, we do so. They’re our first choice,” emphasizes van den Dool.
Thanks to the PVA208 proportional valve amplifier modules, Dredge Yard’s dredging vessels do not require hydraulic amplifier cards. This not only saves hardware costs and space in the control cabinet, but the settings are also easier to manage.
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