Improving the efficiency of valve-controlled systems by using multi-chamber actuators

• This paper outlines how multi-chamber actuatorscan improve the efficiency of valve-controlled systems.Resistive control is a major source of energy losses invalve-controlled systemsthat share the same pumpto drive multiple loads. In the proposed concept, by selectingdifferent chambers,the load on the multi-chamber actuator can be transformed into different pressure and flow rate levels, allowingthe adaptation of its load to the loads on otheractuators. Thiscan lead to a reduction of resistive control energy losses that occur between pump and actuatorswhen driven simultaneously.Suchsystemsareseen as an intermediate solution between resistive conventionalhydraulics and throttle-less digital hydraulics. As a casestudyto highlight the possible efficiency improvement, a concept of a load sensing system with a conventional and a multi-chamber actuatoris analysed. To determine itsefficiency,the equations that describe its static behaviour are presented. Evaluating them for a set ofload forces and speeds demonstrates how the load transformation occursand how it canimprove efficiency.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Digital fluid power

multi-chamber actuators

throttling losses

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)