In general, the basic setup of an electro-hydraulic steering system includes:
- Receivers – cylinders with linear position sensors.
- Transmitters – electric wheels, FFU or NFU joysticks, selectors.
- Programmable logic controller with or without customizable multifunction screen display.
- Clearly labelled electrical harness with connecting pins.
- Hydraulic power pack and oil tank equipped with filters, oil level and temperature alarms.
- Proportional hydraulic distributor with independent circuits or hydraulic distribution block.
- Set of hydraulic flexible tubes with swaged fittings.
Some classification societies require additional safety components. In this case, please contact us.
In operating condition, the programmable logic controller continuously analyses the information sent by the cylinder position sensors and relays the orders from the transmitters.
It manages the position and the displacement of each cylinder by means of the hydraulic power pack and the hydraulic distribution system.
Depending on the selected model, a screen display can allow for navigation scrolling through pages and menus, activation or deactivation of an individual receiver or transmitter, thus providing a broad range of applications (safety, maintenance, intervention…). It also allows the fine-tuning of rudder angle settings (Ackerman effect…), reaction speed and rudder alignment. Finally, it triggers alarms (temperature, oil level, filter clogging…) and permits to isolate the components concerned.
The elimination of hydraulic circuits in the boat inhabitable parts and of the mechanical tie bars between the rudders, the lack of interventions on often complex hydraulic circuits such as filling and bleeding are all reasons that make the electro-hydraulic steering system a technically and economically sound solution that meets all of the market requirements.
