Hyosung Heavy Industries Electro-Mechanical Solutions Part 1 

The Past and Present of Electrical Energy and HYOSUNG’s Electro-Mechanical Division 

Have you ever imagined a world without electricity? It’s so readily available that we often take it for granted, but electricity is an energy source that significantly impacts not just our daily lives but also entire industries. Hyosung Heavy Industries has been a leader in the power and electro-mechanical sectors for decades, a position we’re proud of, but one that also comes with a great sense of responsibility. 

Hyosung Heavy Industries’ electric motors currently hold the top market share in Korea, being widely used in everything from residential spaces to industrial facilities like crushers and conveyor belts. Even the motors that maintain the Cheonggyecheon stream in Seoul are the products from Hyosung Heavy Industries. Let's take a look at how the company has navigated its way to the top in an industry where electricity has become the driving force behind industrial power. 

The Birth of Electrical Technology, a Signal to Industrial Prosperity 

Before the Industrial Revolution, human life largely depended on manual labor, primarily in agriculture and handicrafts. This changed when British inventor Thomas Newcomen introduced the steam engine in the early 18th century. Unlike power generation methods that relied on axial force or waterpower, the steam engine used thermal energy from steam to drive machinery, marking the arrival of technology capable of converting heat into kinetic energy. 

The more familiar version of the steam engine, however, came from engineer and inventor James Watt. In 1769, Watt significantly improved Newcomen’s steam engine, making it safer and more efficient, which led to its widespread adoption. This breakthrough spurred the development of spinning machines, steamships, and steam locomotives, and as steam engines were applied to industrial machinery, the pace of industrial growth accelerated. 

The invention and evolution of generators and power distribution systems created the conditions for efficient electricity production. In 1831, Michael Faraday discovered electromagnetic induction, establishing the basic principle of generators: generating electric current using magnets. By the mid-19th century, direct current (DC) generators based on this principle were developed, heralding the era of large-scale electricity production. In the 1880s, inventors like Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison contributed to the development of power systems. Tesla’s alternating current (AC) system, combined with the introduction of transformers, allowed for efficient long-distance transmission of electricity, becoming a cornerstone of modern electrical grids. 

The advancement of electrical technology had a profound impact on mass production systems. Machines powered by electricity offered tremendous advantages in terms of speed and consistency, maintaining uniform quality and design. As industrial machines like internal combustion engines became powered by electricity, mass production naturally took root. Fueled by electrical technology and mechanical innovation, industries rapidly advanced in precision and scale. 

Efficiency and Sustainability: The Current Trends in Modern Electro-Mechanical Business 

It has been over 250 years since the First Industrial Revolution, and the industrial sector now consumes vastly more electrical energy than ever before. Naturally, ensuring a stable and efficient supply of electricity has become even more critical. To meet this demand, solutions such as electric motors, generators, and geared motors—collectively known as "electro-mechanical solutions"—have emerged. These machines convert electrical energy into mechanical (rotational) energy, or vice versa, and play a crucial role in powering industries. 

Electro-mechanical solutions are indispensable in driving machines and automating processes in production sites. Tailoring these systems to different industries and work environments helps optimize energy usage and boost productivity. Although often unseen, these technologies form the backbone of modern industry, providing power to every corner of our lives. 

Recently, the electro-mechanical sector has been advancing toward greater sustainability. In particular, Hyosung Heavy Industries is focusing on ‘hydrogen’ as the next-generation fuel in response to the depletion of fossil fuels and global warming. The company is working on supporting hydrogen-powered vehicles as an alternative to gasoline and diesel and has also developed hydrogen-fueled generators. These efforts are expected to contribute to environmental preservation. 

Hyosung Heavy Industries' Electro-Mechanical Solutions: A History of Innovation 

Hyosung Heavy Industries is a leading player in the electro-mechanical sector with a strong reputation for motor design. Its solutions are used in a wide range of industries, including petrochemicals, gas, and steel. HYOSUNG’s predecessor, Hanyoung Heavy Industries, maintained the top position in the Korean market for over half a century due to its excellent technology and quality. The company earned significant certifications, including CSA certification for industrial motors in 1985, ISO 9001 certification in 1993, and compliance with domestic KS standards as well as those of the major countries such as the U.S., Europe, China, and Russia. 

Hyosung Heavy Industries' history is marked by numerous "firsts." In 1962, the company developed Korea's first three-phase low-voltage induction motor, and in 1983, it began exporting to the U.S. By 1994, the company had developed a 13.2kV motor for nuclear power plants, and in 1999, a Q-Class large-capacity motor for the same application. Today, Hyosung Heavy Industries supplies approximately 40,000 units including high- and low-voltage, DC, and special electric motors per month, firmly establishing itself as a leader in the Korean market. 

Hyosung Heavy Industries’ generators and chemical equipment are also renowned for their quality. Since the 1970s, the company has produced generators and successfully localized the MG-Set for nuclear power plants' fuel rod control systems. In May 2023, the company successfully developed and became the first in the world to commercialize a hydrogen engine generator that runs on 100% hydrogen. Additionally, it has supplied key equipment for plant processes in industries such as petrochemicals, refining, oil, and gas, while also establishing a foothold as the first domestic provider in the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and hydrogen fueling station sectors. Currently, Hyosung Heavy Industries is actively pursuing new business opportunities based on its own electro-mechanical solutions, aiming to evolve beyond a manufacturer and supplier to become a world-class comprehensive machinery and plant engineering company. 

Hyosung Heavy Industries' electro-mechanical solutions, backed by over 60 years of expertise, are also recognized globally. The company's quick response to the growing demand for sustainable energy solutions, which contribute to reducing carbon emissions, has been a key positive factor. In Part 2, we will take a closer look at Hyosung Heavy Industries’ motor, generator, and gear solutions. It will be an insightful opportunity to witness the HYOSUNG members’, R&D DNA, as well as their passion for innovation and their commitment to a sustainable future.