Hydraulic Flow Control Using Accumulator Energy Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems face issues with abrupt changes in actuator speed or torque due to energy storage device exhaustion, leading to uncontrollable behavior, as the volume flow of hydraulic fluid is not managed effectively in relation to the energy stored.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic system with a high-pressure line, pump, variable displacement hydraulic machine, energy storing device, and electronic control unit that continuously monitors and adjusts the volume flow intake based on the target output and energy stored, ensuring maximum energy utilization and preventing abrupt changes in actuator performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a predetermined maximum amount of hydraulic fluid is stored in the pressure accumulator, then the system can operate for a limited time, but the actuator speed becomes uncontrollable or exhibits abrupt reduction when the accumulator is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a detector to continuously monitor the energy level in the pressure accumulator and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the volume flow intake of the hydraulic machine based on the detected energy level, ensuring that the actuator operates within controllable parameters even as the accumulator depletes. This feedback mechanism prevents abrupt speed reductions by proactively managing energy consumption before exhaustion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the volume flow intake of the variable displacement hydraulic machine based on real-time energy levels in the pressure accumulator. By making the flow rate variable rather than fixed, the system can optimize performance during different phases of accumulator discharge, maintaining actuator control stability throughout the entire operation duration from full to depleted state.
2Speed
If the volume flow of hydraulic fluid is increased to maintain actuator speed, then the energy consumption from the pressure accumulator increases, but this leads to faster exhaustion of the energy storing device
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by adjusting the volume flow intake to match the available energy in the pressure accumulator. Rather than consistently operating at maximum flow rate, the control unit modulates the flow to be sufficient for the required task while conserving energy. This allows the system to maintain adequate actuator speed during periods of high energy availability while extending operational duration when energy is limited.
3Ease of operation
If the volume flow intake of the hydraulic machine is not controlled based on energy stored, then the system is simpler to operate, but abrupt changes in actuator performance occur when energy is depleted
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring its own energy state and adjusting its operation accordingly. The detector and control unit work autonomously to manage the volume flow intake based on pressure accumulator energy levels, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex operator decisions. This self-regulating mechanism maintains actuator performance consistency while keeping the operation interface simple for the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively manages energy storage and usage, preventing abrupt changes in actuator speed or torque, ensuring consistent operation by adjusting the volume flow intake according to the energy available, thereby optimizing energy use and maintaining controlled performance.
Implementation Method 1
Hydraulic systems apply hydraulic pressure accumulators for receiving and storing pressurized hydraulic fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the high-pressure line
Implementation Method 3
a variable displacement hydraulic machine connected by a fluid connection to the high-pressure line for rotationally driving the rotatable load
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic system includes: a high-pressure line; a pump configured to supply pressurized hydraulic fluid to the high-pressure line; a variable displacement hydraulic machine connected by a fluid connection to the high-pressure line for rotationally driving the rotatable load; an electronic control unit; an energy storing device connected to the high-pressure line and configured to communicate with the high-pressure line by receiving energy from the high-pressure line and/or supplying energy to the high-pressure line; and a first detector configured to detect the amount of energy stored in the energy storing device and to transmit a signal indicating said amount of energy stored to the electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is configured to control the volume flow intake of the variable displacement hydraulic machine dependent on a target output of the variable displacement hydraulic machine and on the detected amount of energy stored in the energy storing device.