Potentials of independent metering edges in industrial applications
Research Task/Objectives
Assessment of energy saving potentials
Valve controlled cylinder drives are a beneficial technology for precise linear actuators with middle and high load force capability. Independent metering approaches represents a possibility of reducing the energy dissipation losses which are inherent to throttling control. Within the research activities, the energetic saving potential of independent metering compared to conventional control valves is assessed systematically under the specific conditions of industrial drives. The potentials arise from variable circuitry that allows low pressure regeneration and high pressure regeneration and from a possible reduction of supply pressure while maintaining positioning accuracy, for instance. The research objective are a methodology for assessment of saving potentials as well as a feasible control concept.
Approach/Results
Control strategy for independent metering edges
Based on a general valve architecture with independent metering edges, a methodology for the detection of optimal operation modes and minimal energy demand for given machine duty cycles is developed. A suitable control strategy for smooth and low-disturbance mode switching through pressure control creates the foundation of energy saving. Multiple-input-multiple-output control approaches for control of cylinder movement and pressure level are implemented and refined to an integral control concept for the hydraulic actuator. Practicability and attainable energy savings compared to conventional valves are validated through simulation and experimentally.
This IGF Project 18010 BR/1 of the research association Forschungskuratorium Maschinenbau e.V. was supported via AiF within the programme for promoting the Industrial Collective Research (IGF) of the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi), based on a resolution of the German Parliament.
The final project report can be obtained from Forschungskuratorium Maschinenbau e.V. (mailing address: Lyoner Str. 18, 60528 Frankfurt am Main, E-Mail: info@fkm-net.de).