Hydraulics for Renewables: What Wind and Marine Energy Projects Demand

Renewable energy projects operate in some of the most demanding environments faced by hydraulic equipment. Wind, hydropower and marine energy installations can expose components to moisture, changing temperatures, vibration, corrosion and difficult maintenance conditions. When hydraulic systems support critical equipment in these environments, reliability and correct component selection become particularly important.

Where Are Hydraulics Used in Renewable Energy?

Hydraulic systems provide high levels of force and controlled movement, making them useful across a range of renewable-energy applications. HOS supports renewable applications across wind, solar, hydropower and geothermal projects, supplying components including:

• Hydraulic hose
• Pumps
• Motors
• Pipework
• Tubing
• Valves
• Cylinders
• Couplings
• Actuators

Its engineering team can also source and support components for bespoke fluid-power requirements.

Wind Turbine Hydraulic Systems

Hydraulic systems have several potential applications within wind energy equipment. Depending on turbine design, hydraulics can be used within systems requiring controlled mechanical movement, actuation and braking. Whatever the application, components need to be correctly selected for operating pressure, temperature, fluid compatibility and environmental conditions. Reliability is particularly important because maintenance on wind turbines can be considerably more complicated than accessing conventional ground-level industrial machinery.

Marine Energy Hydraulics

Offshore and marine renewable projects introduce another challenge: the environment itself.

Saltwater, humidity and harsh weather conditions can accelerate corrosion and increase demands on hydraulic components.

HOS has more than 35 years of experience supporting marine applications and supplies hydraulic hose, pumps, motors, pipework, tubing, valves, cylinders and couplings for the sector.

That existing marine hydraulic experience is particularly relevant where renewable-energy equipment must operate in similarly demanding coastal and offshore conditions.

Component Selection Matters

Hydraulic components for renewable applications should be selected around the complete operating environment rather than simply pressure and connection size.

Factors can include:

• Working pressure
• Temperature
• Hydraulic fluid
• Corrosion exposure
• Vibration
• Movement
• Abrasion
• Accessibility
• Required service life

For hydraulic hoses, incorrect specification can result in leaks, pressure loss, premature failure and safety risks.

Reliability and Maintenance

Renewable energy installations can be difficult and expensive to access. This makes reliability and planned maintenance particularly important. Maintaining accurate records of hydraulic components and inspecting equipment for signs of deterioration can help identify potential problems before they result in unplanned downtime. HOS provides full traceability for products and retains records to support future replacement, alongside an asset-management service designed to help customers reduce downtime.

Safety and Quality

Hydraulic equipment can operate under significant pressure, so safety and quality remain fundamental regardless of the renewable application.

HOS holds UKAS-accredited ISO 9001:2015 certification and BFPA approval relating to hose assemblies. Its renewables offering also places emphasis on product quality checks, traceability and appropriate industry standards.

Supporting the Renewable Energy Sector

As renewable energy infrastructure develops, hydraulic systems will continue to support applications where powerful, controlled and reliable mechanical movement is required.

The challenge is ensuring those systems can withstand the environment in which they operate.

From hydraulic hose and fittings to pumps, motors, cylinders, valves and complete fluid-power requirements, HOS provides products and technical expertise for demanding renewable-energy applications.

Hydraulic Solutions for Renewable Energy

HOS supports renewable energy customers with hydraulic products, engineering expertise, traceability and maintenance services.

Whether you’re specifying components for a new project or maintaining an existing hydraulic system, the HOS team can help identify products suited to the application and operating environment.