hjälpkraft

Hjälpkraft is a term used in Swedish engineering to describe supplementary or auxiliary power that assists a primary power source in a system. It encompasses electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic energy that is engaged to support operation when the main drive alone is insufficient, unavailable, or inefficient for a given task.

Forms and sources of hjälpkraft can vary. Electrical hjälpkraft may come from a dedicated auxiliary power unit, batteries, or capacitors to provide starting power, control power, or peak-load support. Hydraulic or pneumatic hjälpkraft relies on separate pumps, accumulators, or pressure lines to enable actuation, braking, or rapid movement without overloading the main drive. The choice of form depends on the application, required response time, and reliability targets.

Common applications include starting processes or engines, providing peak torque or movement in machinery, enabling control power for electronics during mains loss, and offering redundancy in critical systems such as cranes, elevators, or process plants. Hjälpkraft can improve reliability, enable safe shutdowns, and allow smaller or less powerful main drives by sharing load with the auxiliary system.

Considerations for implementing hjälpkraft involve control integration, energy management, system synchronization, maintenance, and total cost of ownership. Designers evaluate when and how long auxiliary power is needed, how it is recharged or replenished, and how it interacts with the primary power source to optimize performance and safety.

See also: auxiliary power unit, backup power, energy management, redundancy in engineering.