Electrification of a horizontal drilling unit

The electrification of a horizontal directional drilling unit with Plug & Drive integration, 800 Vdc drives, customized OBCs, a robust battery, and intelligent PLUS+1 control results in a forward-looking system solution.

Electrification of a horizontal drilling unit

For a machinery manufacturer, BIBUS HYDRAULIK is currently developing a high-performance horizontal directional drilling unit in a fully electric version. Based on an existing DJ concept, a modern solution is taking shape that operates with low emissions. The thrust has already been increased from 18 to 30 tons.

At the heart of the project is the Plug & Drive principle – a preassembled power unit with integrated control and thermal management.

The result is a powerful, low-maintenance and future-ready system architecture that combines modern electrification with proven machine technology.

The challenge

Electrifying a high-performance machine is more than just a technology swap – it requires a deep understanding of the application, mechanics, energy flow, control systems, and integration. This is exactly where the challenge lay:

  • Performance increase based on the DJ platform
    The goal is to raise the thrust from 18 to 30 tons.
  • Plug & Drive integration
    The entire electric unit had to be preassembled, tested, and delivered ready for installation.
  • Cooling
    Thanks to a special heat exchanger concept, no active cooling is needed to continuously extract peak performance from the PMSM motors. At the same time, thermal and safety requirements at 800 V battery voltage had to be reliably addressed.
  • Safety
    The safety concept had to meet the high standards of both 800 Vdc battery systems and 3x400 Vac grid operation.
  • Control integration
    All electrical components had to seamlessly integrate with the existing machine logic and operator interface.

The Solution

The result is a well-thought-out, modular system solution that impresses both in implementation and operation. In close collaboration with the customer, an architecture was developed step by step that combines performance, integration, and efficiency:

  • 800 V Battery System
    Modular high-voltage system for maximum performance and energy availability.
  • Thermal Management
    Integrated cooling and heat pump for reliable continuous operation under full load.
  • Danfoss Editron Drive
    High-performance, controllable drives for thrust, pull, and rotation functions.
  • PLUS+1 Control System
    Central machine control with safety, power distribution, and CAN communication.
  • DC-Link & PowerLock Connector
    Robust interfaces for power distribution and connection to the supply network.

Added Value

Through the collaboration with BIBUS HYDRAULIK, a fully electric horizontal directional drilling rig is being developed – combining cutting-edge technology with high performance, while remaining modular, compact, and future-ready.

The preassembled Plug & Drive unit is designed to reduce integration effort, shorten project timelines, and create clear interfaces between development and production. At the same time, the PLUS+1 platform enables maximum flexibility in operation, functionality, and future expansion.

Your advantages

The electrification of the drilling rig not only brings technical improvements, but also delivers clear advantages in operation, integration, and future viability of the machine:

Performance increase without redesign

More thrust force within the existing chassis

Preassembled Plug & Drive solution

Reduced integration effort and verified functionality

Fully electric system solution

Emission-free, high-performing, and ready for future requirements

Related articles

VISIONF Yachts E-Cat 80
LöRef RhB
bibus-mobilhydraulik-schneepflug