Danfoss acquires tech firm Artemis

Danish engineering firm Danfoss Group has announced the 100% acquisition of Edinburgh, Scotland-based hydraulics specialist Artemis Intelligent Power.

Danfoss was previously the majority shareholder in the research and development firm, in a joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, but says the total acquisition of the company will aid the global rollout of its new Digital Displacement pump technology.

Danfoss recently announced this new technology to the off-highway equipment market, with a digital pump as a straight replacement for an engine’s conventional pump.

The company says the high level of digital control ensures the engine’s cylinders are only activated when required, significantly reducing losses across the system.

Danfoss says the technology as it stands can reduce fuel consumption by up to 30%, but predicts improvements to the system will have the potential to reduce consumption by up to 50%.

It adds that, in excavators alone, the reduction in waste heat could save up to 40 million tonnes of CO2.

Bringing Artemis Intelligent Power under the auspices of Danfoss Power Solutions, the company has also acquired 60 new members of staff, who will join its Digital Displacement team, effective immediately.

Danfoss Power Solutions’ vice president of R&D, Jeff Herrin, said, “Digital Displacement is a disruptive technology which radically increases efficiency and lowers fuel consumption wherever hydraulic fluid power is required. It has global potential to reduce CO2 emissions in industrial and off-highway machinery. The technology is particularly appealing to customers because it improves efficiency, productivity and control, plus reduces fuel consumption in sectors that are technically challenging to decarbonise. This is particularly pertinent as this year’s COP26 conference, being held in Scotland, will explore possible routes to a zero-carbon future.”

Herrin added, “The last few years have further strengthened our confidence in Digital Displacement, enabling us to produce our first commercial solutions and engage with OEMs in Europe, China and the U.S. – with feedback being universally positive. The full acquisition of AIP will allow us to accelerate the adoption of Digital Displacement technology in our core industrial and off-highway markets. We’re now looking forward to fast-tracking the commercialisation of this technology in a new family of hydraulic solutions.”