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Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems
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Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems

A special issue of Energies (ISSN 1996-1073).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2017) | Viewed by 122611

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Andrea Vacca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Maha Fluid Power Research Center, School of Mechanical Engineering, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 1500 Kepner dr., Lafayette, IN 47905, USA
Interests: fluid power systems; positive displacement machines; gear pumps; hydraulic control valves; aeration and cavitation in fluid power systems; analysis of noise generation and noise reduction in hydraulic components; electro-hydraulic systems; oscillation damping of load handling machines
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue on “Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems” focuses on the recent advances of fluid power technology in a wide range of topics, including:

  • New approaches for the analysis, modeling and design of hydraulic and pneumatic components
  • New design solutions for hydrostatic pumps and motors
  • Hydrostatic and Hydraulic Hybrid Transmissions
  • Control design methodologies and techniques for fluid power systems
  • Digital and switched fluid power systems
  • Reduction of oscillations and vibrations of fluid power machines
  • New system configurations to reduce fuel consumption and increase productivity of fluid power machines
  • Safety, reliability, fault analysis, diagnosis and prognostic of fluid power systems
  • Noise and vibration of fluid power components
  • Human scale applications of fluid power technology
  • Water hydraulics
  • Applications of fluid power in the field of renewable energy
  • Fluid power in manufacturing
  • Fluid power teleoperation and haptics
  • Fluid power in mobile and industrial robots
  • Environmental aspects of fluid power
  • Smart fluids and materials for fluid power systems

Prof. Andrea Vacca
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Energies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hydraulics
  • pneumatics
  • fluid power
  • hydrostatic pumps and motors
  • hydraulic control valves
  • digital hydraulics
  • water hydraulics
  • hydrostatic transmissions
  • hydraulic hybrids
  • hydraulic and pneumatic robots
  • noise and vibration
  • oscillation damping
  • control
  • energy efficiency
  • fuel consumption

Published Papers (17 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 183 KiB  
Editorial
Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems
by Andrea Vacca
Energies 2018, 11(5), 1169; https://doi.org/10.3390/en11051169 - 07 May 2018
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4319
Abstract
Fluid power refers to the discipline that involves the use of fluids to perform mechanical actuations, it is a well-established and independent discipline that has a defined research area and scholarly activities since at least seven decades.[...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

10671 KiB  
Article
Modeling Noise Sources and Propagation in External Gear Pumps
by Sangbeom Woo, Timothy Opperwall, Andrea Vacca and Manuel Rigosi
Energies 2017, 10(7), 1068; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10071068 - 22 Jul 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7807
Abstract
As a key component in power transfer, positive displacement machines often represent the major source of noise in hydraulic systems. Thus, investigation into the sources of noise and discovering strategies to reduce noise is a key part of improving the performance of current [...] Read more.
As a key component in power transfer, positive displacement machines often represent the major source of noise in hydraulic systems. Thus, investigation into the sources of noise and discovering strategies to reduce noise is a key part of improving the performance of current hydraulic systems, as well as applying fluid power systems to a wider range of applications. The present work aims at developing modeling techniques on the topic of noise generation caused by external gear pumps for high pressure applications, which can be useful and effective in investigating the interaction between noise sources and radiated noise and establishing the design guide for a quiet pump. In particular, this study classifies the internal noise sources into four types of effective load functions and, in the proposed model, these load functions are applied to the corresponding areas of the pump case in a realistic way. Vibration and sound radiation can then be predicted using a combined finite element and boundary element vibro-acoustic model. The radiated sound power and sound pressure for the different operating conditions are presented as the main outcomes of the acoustic model. The noise prediction was validated through comparison with the experimentally measured sound power levels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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15714 KiB  
Article
Efficiency Improved Load Sensing System—Reduction of System Inherent Pressure Losses
by Jan Siebert, Marco Wydra and Marcus Geimer
Energies 2017, 10(7), 941; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10070941 - 07 Jul 2017
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6781
Abstract
Although more efficient than e.g., constant flow systems, hydraulic load sensing (LS) systems still have various losses, e.g., system inherent pressure losses (SIPL) due to throttling at pressure compensators. SIPL always occur whenever two or more actuators are in operation simultaneously at different [...] Read more.
Although more efficient than e.g., constant flow systems, hydraulic load sensing (LS) systems still have various losses, e.g., system inherent pressure losses (SIPL) due to throttling at pressure compensators. SIPL always occur whenever two or more actuators are in operation simultaneously at different pressure levels. This paper introduces a novel hydraulic LS system architecture with reduced SIPL. In the new circuit, each actuator section is automatically connected either to the tank or to a hydraulic accumulator in dependence of its individual and the systems load situation via an additional valve. When connected to the accumulator, the additional pressure potential in the return line increases the load on the actuator and thus reduces the pressure difference to be throttled at the pressure compensator. The new circuit was developed and analyzed in simulation. For this, the hydraulic simulation model of a hydraulic excavator was used. To validate the sub-models of both machine and new circuit, two separate test rigs were developed and used. Both valid sub-models then were combined to the model of the optimized system. The final simulation results showed, that under the applied conditions, the novel hydraulic circuit was able to decrease SIPL of the examined system by approximately 44% and thus increasing the machines’ total energy efficiency. With the successful completion of the project, the gathered knowledge will be used to further develop the proposed circuit and its components. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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11510 KiB  
Article
Pressure Losses in Multiple-Elbow Paths and in V-Bends of Hydraulic Manifolds
by Barbara Zardin, Giovanni Cillo, Massimo Borghi, Alessandro D’Adamo and Stefano Fontanesi
Energies 2017, 10(6), 788; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10060788 - 07 Jun 2017
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5361
Abstract
Hydraulic manifolds are used to realize compact circuit layouts, but may introduce high pressure losses in the system because their design is usually oriented to achieving minimum size and weight more than reducing the pressure losses. The purpose of this work is to [...] Read more.
Hydraulic manifolds are used to realize compact circuit layouts, but may introduce high pressure losses in the system because their design is usually oriented to achieving minimum size and weight more than reducing the pressure losses. The purpose of this work is to obtain the pressure losses when the internal connections within the manifold are creating complex paths for the fluid and the total loss cannot be calculated simply as the sum of the single losses. To perform the analysis both Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis and experimental tests have been executed. After the comparison between numerical and experimental results, it was possible to assess that the numerical analysis developed in this work is able to depict the correct trends of the pressure losses also when complex fluid path are realized in the manifold. Successively, the numerical analysis was used to calculate the pressure loss for inclined connections of channels (or V-bends), a solution that is sometimes adopted in manifolds to meet the design requirements aimed towards the minimum room-minimum weight objective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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5403 KiB  
Article
Theoretical and Experimental Studies of a Switched Inertance Hydraulic System in a Four-Port High-Speed Switching Valve Configuration
by Min Pan, Andrew Plummer and Abdullah El Agha
Energies 2017, 10(6), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10060780 - 06 Jun 2017
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5400
Abstract
The switched inertance hydraulic system (SIHS) is a novel high-bandwidth and energy-efficient digital device which can adjust or control flow and pressure by a means that does not rely on throttling the flow and dissipation of power. An SIHS can provide an efficient [...] Read more.
The switched inertance hydraulic system (SIHS) is a novel high-bandwidth and energy-efficient digital device which can adjust or control flow and pressure by a means that does not rely on throttling the flow and dissipation of power. An SIHS can provide an efficient step-up or step-down of pressure or flow rate by using a digital control signal. In this article, analytical models of an SIHS in a four-port high-speed switching valve configuration are proposed, and the system dynamics and performance are investigated theoretically and experimentally. The flow responses, system characteristics, and power consumption can be predicted effectively and accurately by using the proposed models, which were validated by comparing with experiments and with numerical simulation. The four-port configuration is compared with the three-port configuration, and it is concluded that the former one is less efficient for valves of the same size, but provides a bi-direction control capability. As bi-direction control is a common requirement, this constitutes an important contribution to the development of efficient digital hydraulics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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2627 KiB  
Article
Damping Force Modeling and Suppression of Self-Excited Vibration due to Magnetic Fluids Applied in the Torque Motor of a Hydraulic Servovalve
by Wei Zhang, Jinghui Peng and Songjing Li
Energies 2017, 10(6), 749; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10060749 - 27 May 2017
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5553
Abstract
As a key component of hydraulic control systems, hydraulic servovalves influence their performance significantly. Unpredictable self-excited noise inside hydraulic servovalves may cause instability and even failure. Being functional, with higher saturation magnetization and increased viscosity when exposed to a magnetic field, magnetic fluids [...] Read more.
As a key component of hydraulic control systems, hydraulic servovalves influence their performance significantly. Unpredictable self-excited noise inside hydraulic servovalves may cause instability and even failure. Being functional, with higher saturation magnetization and increased viscosity when exposed to a magnetic field, magnetic fluids (MFs) have been widely used in dampers, sealing, and biomedical treatment. In this paper, magnetic fluids are applied in the torque motor of a hydraulic servovalve to exert damping and resistance for vibration and noise suppression. Construction of the torque motor armature with magnetic fluids is introduced and the forces due to magnetic fluids on the torque motor armature are studied. Based on a bi-viscosity-constituted relationship, a mathematical model of the damping force from magnetic fluids is built when magnetic fluids are filled in the working gaps of the torque motor. Measurements of the properties of an Fe3O4 composite magnetic fluid are carried out to calculate the parameters of this mathematical model and to investigate the influence of magnetic fluids on the vibration characteristics of the armature assembly. The simulated and tested harmonic responses of the armature with and without magnetic fluids show the good suppression effects of magnetic fluids on the self-excited noise inside the servovalve. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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6446 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study of 3D Movement in Cushioning of Hydraulic Cylinder
by Antonio Algar, Esteban Codina and Javier Freire
Energies 2017, 10(6), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10060746 - 25 May 2017
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9194
Abstract
A double acting cylinder operation has been fully monitored in its key functional parameters, focused on characterization of end-of-stroke cushioning and starting phases. Being the cylinder performance reliant in the piston constructive geometry, the number and location of piston circumferential grooves is a [...] Read more.
A double acting cylinder operation has been fully monitored in its key functional parameters, focused on characterization of end-of-stroke cushioning and starting phases. Being the cylinder performance reliant in the piston constructive geometry, the number and location of piston circumferential grooves is a significant parameter affecting the internal cushioning system performance. An eddy current displacement sensor assembled in the piston allows assessment of piston radial displacement inside the cylinder tube, which is directly related with the studied operating phases. Due to such 3D displacements, the piston becomes as an active and self-adjusting element along the functional cycle of the cylinder. Mechanical joints orientation and operating pressure are also relevant parameters affecting piston radial displacement and, thus, the cushioning and starting performance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) results confirm the observed functional role of the perimeter grooves; the flow and pressure distributions, where develops a significant radial force, are also in accordance with the registered radial displacement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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6231 KiB  
Article
Reducing Fuel Consumption in Hydraulic Excavators—A Comprehensive Analysis
by Milos Vukovic, Roland Leifeld and Hubertus Murrenhoff
Energies 2017, 10(5), 687; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10050687 - 12 May 2017
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 11228
Abstract
Mobile machines, especially excavators, still consume considerable amounts of fuel during their operating lifetimes. This is not only undesirable in economic terms but also adversely affects our environment. The following paper discusses methods to lower fuel consumption by conducting a comprehensive analysis of [...] Read more.
Mobile machines, especially excavators, still consume considerable amounts of fuel during their operating lifetimes. This is not only undesirable in economic terms but also adversely affects our environment. The following paper discusses methods to lower fuel consumption by conducting a comprehensive analysis of the components comprising a hydraulic excavator and the cycles these machines perform. One of the main aims is to emphasise that a design centred on the standard definitions of efficiency, especially hydraulic efficiency, can be rather misleading. A new approach using a novel fuel consumption model, based on the Willans approximation, coupled with the concepts of fixed and variable fuel consumption is introduced and validated using real test data obtained from an 18 t excavator. The new methodology can be used to help uncover simpler methods to improve today’s machines. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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5711 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study on the Influence of the Rotating Cylinder Block and Pistons on Churning Losses in Axial Piston Pumps
by Junhui Zhang, Ying Li, Bing Xu, Min Pan and Fei Lv
Energies 2017, 10(5), 662; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10050662 - 10 May 2017
Cited by 32 | Viewed by 8501
Abstract
Pressure and performance requirements of axial piston pumps and the proportion of churning losses in axial piston pumps increase significantly with increasing speed. To investigate the primary distribution of churning losses in axial piston pumps at various ranges of speed, a test rig [...] Read more.
Pressure and performance requirements of axial piston pumps and the proportion of churning losses in axial piston pumps increase significantly with increasing speed. To investigate the primary distribution of churning losses in axial piston pumps at various ranges of speed, a test rig was set up in which other friction losses can be eliminated, thus making it possible to investigate the net churning losses in an axial piston pump. The influence of the rotating cylinder block and pistons on churning losses is analyzed based on a qualitative evaluation of the various fluid flow regimes at different test speeds in an axial piston pump. The analytical results indicate that pistons have less influence on churning losses than the rotating cylinder block beyond the critical speed in axial piston pumps, because the total energy dissipation transforms laminar viscous friction losses into turbulent shear stress losses. It is concluded that more attention should be given to the effect of the rotating cylinder block on churning losses in axial piston pumps at high rotation speed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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2465 KiB  
Article
Global Energy-Optimal Redundancy Resolution of Hydraulic Manipulators: Experimental Results for a Forestry Manipulator
by Jarmo Nurmi and Jouni Mattila
Energies 2017, 10(5), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10050647 - 06 May 2017
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7341
Abstract
This paper addresses the energy-inefficiency problem of four-degrees-of-freedom (4-DOF) hydraulic manipulators through redundancy resolution in robotic closed-loop controlled applications. Because conventional methods typically are local and have poor performance for resolving redundancy with respect to minimum hydraulic energy consumption, global energy-optimal redundancy resolution [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the energy-inefficiency problem of four-degrees-of-freedom (4-DOF) hydraulic manipulators through redundancy resolution in robotic closed-loop controlled applications. Because conventional methods typically are local and have poor performance for resolving redundancy with respect to minimum hydraulic energy consumption, global energy-optimal redundancy resolution is proposed at the valve-controlled actuator and hydraulic power system interaction level. The energy consumption of the widely popular valve-controlled load-sensing (LS) and constant-pressure (CP) systems is effectively minimised through cost functions formulated in a discrete-time dynamic programming (DP) approach with minimum state representation. A prescribed end-effector path and important actuator constraints at the position, velocity and acceleration levels are also satisfied in the solution. Extensive field experiments performed on a forestry hydraulic manipulator demonstrate the performance of the proposed solution. Approximately 15–30% greater hydraulic energy consumption was observed with the conventional methods in the LS and CP systems. These results encourage energy-optimal redundancy resolution in future robotic applications of hydraulic manipulators. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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8079 KiB  
Article
Active Vibration Control of Swash Plate-Type Axial Piston Machines with Two-Weight Notch Least Mean Square/Filtered-x Least Mean Square (LMS/FxLMS) Filters
by Taeho Kim and Monika Ivantysynova
Energies 2017, 10(5), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10050645 - 06 May 2017
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6780
Abstract
In this paper, swash plate active vibration control techniques were investigated utilizing the weight-limited multi-frequency two-weight notch Least Mean Square (LMS) filter with unit delay compensation and multi-frequency two-weight notch Filtered-x Least Mean Sqaure (FxLMS) filter with offline modeling to achieve adjustable swash [...] Read more.
In this paper, swash plate active vibration control techniques were investigated utilizing the weight-limited multi-frequency two-weight notch Least Mean Square (LMS) filter with unit delay compensation and multi-frequency two-weight notch Filtered-x Least Mean Sqaure (FxLMS) filter with offline modeling to achieve adjustable swash plate vibration reduction at the desired frequency. Simulation studies of the high fidelity pump control system model including realistic swash plate moments are presented to demonstrate the feasibility of the swash plate active vibration control. A 75-cm3/rev swash plate type axial piston pump was modified to implement a high bandwidth pump control system which is required for canceling the swash plate vibration. High speed real-time controllers were proposed and realized using an National Instrument LabVIEW Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). Vibration measurements using a tri-axial swash plate acceleration sensor were conducted to show the influence and effectiveness of the proposed swash plate active vibration control system and algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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4901 KiB  
Article
Performance of an Energy Efficient Low Power Stepper Converter
by Christoph Gradl and Rudolf Scheidl
Energies 2017, 10(4), 445; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10040445 - 28 Mar 2017
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5448
Abstract
This paper presents the development of an energy efficient low power stepper converter. A prototype with a hydraulic output power of ≈600 W was designed, manufactured, investigated and improved. The converter consists of a hydraulic cylinder piston unit controlled by a fast switching [...] Read more.
This paper presents the development of an energy efficient low power stepper converter. A prototype with a hydraulic output power of ≈600 W was designed, manufactured, investigated and improved. The converter consists of a hydraulic cylinder piston unit controlled by a fast switching valve to displace a defined fluid quantum by the limited forward stroke of the piston in its cylinder. The displaced fluid generates a precise, incremental motion of a load cylinder which should be controlled. Energy saving is achieved by storing the pressure surplus intermediately in the kinetic energy of the piston to displace a part of the fluid quantum without hydraulic energy from the supply line. Energy recuperation can be done in a similar way. Simulations and experiments showed two main efficiency improvement measures of the first converter prototype. The weak points were the commercially available check valves and the used guidance system for the pistons. The second part of the paper reports about the development of a fast check valve and of a combined hydrostatic hydrodynamic bearing system based on the elastic deformation of plastics. The theoretical and experimental results show a significant improvement of the energy efficiency, the potential of this drive technology and further improvement potential. Expressed in terms of numbers an energy efficiency increase compared to a resistance control up to 30% and a maximum recuperation energy efficiency over 60% were measured. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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5733 KiB  
Article
GeroMAG: In-House Prototype of an Innovative Sealed, Compact and Non-Shaft-Driven Gerotor Pump with Magnetically-Driving Outer Rotor
by Pedro Javier Gamez-Montero, Robert Castilla, Esteve Codina, Javier Freire, Joan Morató, Enric Sanchez-Casas and Ivan Flotats
Energies 2017, 10(4), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10040435 - 26 Mar 2017
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6932
Abstract
The technology of gerotor pumps is progressing towards cutting-edge applications in emerging sectors, which are more demanding for pump performance. Moreover, recent environmental standards are heading towards leakage-free and noiseless hydraulic systems. Hence, in order to respond to these demands, this study, which [...] Read more.
The technology of gerotor pumps is progressing towards cutting-edge applications in emerging sectors, which are more demanding for pump performance. Moreover, recent environmental standards are heading towards leakage-free and noiseless hydraulic systems. Hence, in order to respond to these demands, this study, which will be referred to as the GeroMAG concept, aims to make a leap from the standard gerotor pump technology: a sealed, compact, non-shaft-driven gerotor pump with a magnetically-driving outer rotor. The GeroMAG pump is conceived as a variable-flow pump to accomplish a standard volumetric flow rate at low rotational speed with satisfactory volumetric efficiency. By following the authors’ methodology based on a catalogue of best-practice rules, a custom trochoidal gear set is designed. Then, two main technological challenges are encountered: how to generate the rotational movement of the driving outer rotor and how to produce the guide of rotation of the gear set once there is no drive shaft. To confront them, a quiet magnet brushless motor powers the driving outer rotor through pole pieces placed in its external sideway and the rotational movement is guided by the inner edgewise pads carved on it. Subsequently, GeroMAG pump architecture, prototype, housing, methodology, materials and manufacture will be presented. As a principal conclusion, the GeroMAG proof of concept and pump prototype are feasible, which is corroborated by experimental results and performance indexes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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8829 KiB  
Article
Pressure Losses in Hydraulic Manifolds
by Barbara Zardin, Giovanni Cillo, Carlo Alberto Rinaldini, Enrico Mattarelli and Massimo Borghi
Energies 2017, 10(3), 310; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10030310 - 06 Mar 2017
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6553
Abstract
Hydraulic manifolds are used to realize compact circuit layout, but may introduce a high pressure drop in the system. Their design is in fact oriented more toward achieving minimum size and weight than to reducing pressure losses. This work studies the pressure losses [...] Read more.
Hydraulic manifolds are used to realize compact circuit layout, but may introduce a high pressure drop in the system. Their design is in fact oriented more toward achieving minimum size and weight than to reducing pressure losses. This work studies the pressure losses in hydraulic manifolds using different methods: Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) analysis; semi-empirical formulation derived from the scientific literature, when available; and experimental characterization. The purpose is to obtain the pressure losses when the channels’ connections within the manifold are not ascribable to the few classic cases studied in the literature, in particular for 90° bends (elbows) with expansion/contraction and offset intersection of channels. Moreover, since CFD analysis is used to predict pressure losses, general considerations of the manifold design may be outlined and this will help the design process in the optimization of flow passages. The main results obtained show how CFD analysis overestimates the experimental results; nevertheless, the numerical analysis represents the correct trends of the pressure losses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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10063 KiB  
Article
Mixed Lubrication Effects in the Lateral Lubricating Interfaces of External Gear Machines: Modelling and Experimental Validation
by Divya Thiagarajan and Andrea Vacca
Energies 2017, 10(1), 111; https://doi.org/10.3390/en10010111 - 19 Jan 2017
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6574
Abstract
This article presents a novel mixed-thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) model for the lateral lubricating interfaces which exist between floating lateral bushings and gears in external gear machines (EGMs). The proposed model integrates the influence of surface asperities along with the fluid structure and thermal interaction [...] Read more.
This article presents a novel mixed-thermoelastohydrodynamic (TEHD) model for the lateral lubricating interfaces which exist between floating lateral bushings and gears in external gear machines (EGMs). The proposed model integrates the influence of surface asperities along with the fluid structure and thermal interaction in the interface, especially in the regions of very low film thicknesses by following a stochastic approach in modelling the mixed lubrication regime. Furthermore, the current work includes validation of the predictions of the mixed-TEHD model against experimentally measured leakages from the lateral gap and compares the performance of this model with a previously developed full film TEHD model for the lateral gaps in EGMs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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8860 KiB  
Article
Hydraulic Hybrid Excavator—Mathematical Model Validation and Energy Analysis
by Paolo Casoli, Luca Riccò, Federico Campanini and Andrea Bedotti
Energies 2016, 9(12), 1002; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9121002 - 29 Nov 2016
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 10693
Abstract
Recent demands to reduce pollutant emissions and improve energy efficiency have driven the implementation of hybrid solutions in mobile machinery. This paper presents the results of a numerical and experimental analysis conducted on a hydraulic hybrid excavator (HHE). The machinery under study is [...] Read more.
Recent demands to reduce pollutant emissions and improve energy efficiency have driven the implementation of hybrid solutions in mobile machinery. This paper presents the results of a numerical and experimental analysis conducted on a hydraulic hybrid excavator (HHE). The machinery under study is a middle size excavator, whose standard version was modified with the introduction of an energy recovery system (ERS). The proposed ERS layout was designed to recover the potential energy of the boom, using a hydraulic accumulator as a storage device. The recovered energy is utilized through the pilot pump of the machinery which operates as a motor, thus reducing the torque required from the internal combustion engine (ICE). The analysis reported in this paper validates the HHE model by comparing numerical and experimental data in terms of hydraulic and mechanical variables and fuel consumption. The mathematical model shows its capability to reproduce the realistic operating conditions of the realized prototype, tested on the field. A detailed energy analysis comparison between the standard and the hybrid excavator models was carried out to evaluate the energy flows along the system, showing advantages, weaknesses and possibilities to further improve the machinery efficiency. Finally, the fuel consumption estimated by the model and that measured during the experiments are presented to highlight the fuel saving percentages. The HHE model is an important starting point for the development of other energy saving solutions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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7179 KiB  
Article
Lumped Parameters Model of a Crescent Pump
by Massimo Rundo and Alessandro Corvaglia
Energies 2016, 9(11), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/en9110876 - 26 Oct 2016
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6748
Abstract
This paper presents the lumped parameters model of an internal gear crescent pump with relief valve, able to estimate the steady-state flow-pressure characteristic and the pressure ripple. The approach is based on the identification of three variable control volumes regardless of the number [...] Read more.
This paper presents the lumped parameters model of an internal gear crescent pump with relief valve, able to estimate the steady-state flow-pressure characteristic and the pressure ripple. The approach is based on the identification of three variable control volumes regardless of the number of gear teeth. The model has been implemented in the commercial environment LMS Amesim with the development of customized components. Specific attention has been paid to the leakage passageways, some of them affected by the deformation of the cover plate under the action of the delivery pressure. The paper reports the finite element method analysis of the cover for the evaluation of the deflection and the validation through a contactless displacement transducer. Another aspect described in this study is represented by the computational fluid dynamics analysis of the relief valve, whose results have been used for tuning the lumped parameters model. Finally, the validation of the entire model of the pump is presented in terms of steady-state flow rate and of pressure oscillations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Efficiency and Controllability of Fluid Power Systems)
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