By Trine Reinholt Andersen, AAU Technology Transfer Office

Around the world, construction machinery manufacturers are increasingly focusing on electrification to enhance efficiency, reduce emissions, and meet stringent environmental regulations. A key challenge in this transition is ensuring that electric construction equipment can deliver the same power, durability, and performance as traditional diesel-powered machines while operating on a single charge throughout an entire workday.

At the heart of this challenge are the hydraulics, which play a crucial role in the functionality of heavy machinery, enabling lifting, digging, and other essential movements. However, conventional hydraulic systems are often energy-inefficient, leading to energy losses that severely strain battery life. 

As the industry advances, the development of highly efficient hydraulic solutions will be critical in ensuring that electric construction machinery meets the demands of modern worksites without compromising performance.

THE HEART OF MODERN HYDRAULICS

With the digital hydraulic Full-Bridge oscillation Transformer (FBoT), HyNeron, a spin-out from Aalborg University, has developed an efficient hydraulic transformer combining flexibility, compatibility, and energy efficiency in one device to provide a cost-effective solution enabling tomorrow’s efficient and reliable e-mobility hydraulics.

The innovative solution is highly applicable in both off-highway e-mobility, construction machinery, industrial hydraulics, and offshore hydraulics. 

MAXIMIZING EFFICIENCY, SIMPLIFYING DESIGN

Designed for maximum flexibility, the FBoT features inherent load-holding capabilities, enables pressure intensification, and eliminates the need for load-sensing components. This not only simplifies machine design but also reduces the time and effort required for system integration.

The backward compatibility ensures seamless implementation, as the FBoT can replace conventional valves with minimal need for adapter parts. Furthermore, the device is compatible with most existing hydraulic system architectures, allowing for easy integration into new machine production as well as retrofit solutions.

In addition, the FBoT is able to significantly enhance the energy efficiency through its innovative energy recovery function. Energy used to lift a load can be captured and reused in subsequent motions and, thus, reduce the overall energy consumption and improve system performance.

FROM LAB TO MARKET

The transformer technology is based on years of research by Associate Professor Anders Hedegaard Hansen and Associate Professor Per Johansen from AAU Energy – both co-founders of the spin-out company HyNeron in 2023.

In 2019, the FBoT was initially proposed as a retrofittable alternative to the inefficient hydraulic valves. In 2020, the team was able to demonstrate the unique capabilities of the solution in the laboratory, showing the commercial potential of the FBoT. In 2021, the team received an InnoExplorer grant on DKK 1,5 mio from Innovation Fund Denmark, which enabled the team to achieve proof of concept and attract investor attention.

In 2025, HyNeron received an EUDP grant as a demonstration project on total DKK 11,17 mio. The project named “FBoT-Mobile: Towards Net-zero Carbon Emissions with Mobile Hydraulics” aims to further develop and demonstrate the FBoT technology focusing on energy efficiency.

The AAU Technology Transfer Office has been part of the initial process of uncovering the potential of the technology, including securing IPR rights, preparing the business model, securing the Innoexplorer grant, supporting the EUDP grant, and lastly introducing a partnership with an external investor in HyNeron.

In 2024, the FBoT technology was licensed to HyNeron who is expecting to bring the product to market within the coming years.