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

Lasse Schmidt and Kenneth Vorbøl Hansen
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Lasse Schmidt: AAU Energy, Aalborg University, Pontoppidanstraede 111, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark
Kenneth Vorbøl Hansen: Bosch Rexroth A/S, Telegrafvej 1, 2750 Ballerup, Denmark

Energies, 2022, vol. 15, issue 3, 1-33

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

Keywords: electro-hydraulic variable-speed drive networks; Electro-hydraulic Cylinder Drives; energy efficiency; power sharing; hydraulic actuation; linear actuation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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