The SVA R2 (Subsea Valve Actuator) offers an energy-efficient and safe alternative to the actuators previously used in offshore oil and gas production. The SVA is a self-sufficient assembly with its own fluid circuit and a variable-speed pump drive. There is no need for a central power unit and kilometers of pipelines for the fluid, which also reduces environmental risks. The SVA only requires a power supply and a data line. A positive displacement control regulates the flow rate almost loss-free from the speed. This simplifies the design and increases energy efficiency.

The jury chairman and Fraunhofer President Prof. Neugebauer explained the reasons for selecting the winner: "With the Subsea Valve Actuator, electrical supply lines already installed for sensors are sufficient for reliable operation of the actuators. Another advantage for industry is the small dimensions and the integration of interfaces, which allow the new actuator to be used and retrofitted in existing systems. With the SVA R2, the developers at Bosch Rexroth have combined economic and ecological aspects to create a sustainably innovative product for the maritime process industry."

The two other nominations for the Hermes Award 2021

Phoenix Contact, Blomberg: The company was nominated for its NearFi technology. It enables the contactless transmission of power and data and can replace previous plug connections. Thanks to protocol-independent and latency-free Ethernet communication, it offers flexible application options for all Ethernet protocols up to 100 Mbit/s. Real-time transmission takes place in both directions. The technology enables high reliability with low wear.

Pilz, Ostfildern: The nominated product myPNOZ is a new type of modular safety relay that is manufactured in batch size 1. Users can assemble their product using an online tool, whereby no programming knowledge is required because the logic of the safety functions is defined via the module selection and their plug-in sequence. The myPNOZ product is a ready-to-install and completely individualized system that represents an efficient and safe solution for mechanical and plant engineering and other industries.