Electro-Hydraulic Variable-Speed Drive Networks—Idea, Perspectives, and Energy Saving Potentials

• DOI: 10.3390/en15031228
• Publication Date: 2022-02-09T06:03:40Z
• Authors: Lasse Schmidt; Kenneth Vorbøl Ha...
• Keywords: Electro-hydraulic actuator; Throttle; Fluid power; Bandwidth throttling

Electro-hydraulic differential cylinder drives with variable-speed displacement units as their central transmission element are subject to an increasing focus in both industry and academia. A main reason is the potential for substantial efficiency increases due avoidance of throttling flows. Research contributions have mainly been focusing on appropriate compensation volume asymmetry development standalone self-contained compact solutions, all necessary functions onboard. However, many hydraulic actuator systems encompass multiple cylinders, such approaches may not be most feasible ones respect or commercial feasibility. This article presents idea multi-cylinder drives, characterized by electrically hydraulically interconnected essentially allowing completely avoiding throttle elements, while electric power sharing well auxiliary fluid reservoir. With drive topologies taking offset communication theory, concept electro-hydraulic networks introduced. Three different designed example application, including component sizing controls order demonstrate potentials. It found that provide simple physical designs few building blocks increased energy efficiencies compared exhibiting excellent dynamic properties control performance.