Load-Sensing Flow Sharing with Switchable Dual-Pump Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load-sensing flow-sharing systems with single pumps face limitations in energy efficiency and machine performance due to excess flow rate delivery, especially when multiple utilities are actuated at different pressures, leading to energy dissipation and potential machine slowdowns.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic directional load-sensing flow-sharing system with dual-pump operation logic, utilizing an intermediate summation element with a spool valve to separate or combine two groups of utilities and their respective pumps based on working conditions, allowing for efficient energy management and functional optimization through electrical control by a CPU based on sensor inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single LS pump delivers flow to multiple utilities at different pressures, then the system structure is simplified, but energy dissipation increases due to excess flow rate being delivered at high pressure to low-pressure utilities
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single hydraulic system into two separate LS circuits, each with its own pump and delivery channel. This segmentation allows each pump to deliver flow at the appropriate pressure for its designated utilities, eliminating the energy waste of delivering high-pressure flow to low-pressure utilities while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple utilities are simultaneously actuated requiring total flow rate exceeding single pump capacity, then system versatility is improved, but machine speed decreases due to torque limiter activation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines two LS pumps to operate simultaneously, creating a dual-pump system that can deliver the total flow rate required when multiple utilities are actuated. This merging of pumping capacity prevents torque limiter activation and maintains machine speed while preserving system versatility through the ability to handle high-demand operations.
3Use of energy by moving object
If LS pump delivers only required flow rate to reduce energy consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but flow rate availability decreases when multiple utilities require simultaneous high flow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements a dynamic dual-pump system where the pumps can operate independently or in combination based on real-time flow demands. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain energy efficiency by having each pump deliver only the flow required for its utilities, while providing adequate flow rate availability when multiple utilities are actuated by enabling both pumps to operate simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
A hydraulic directional load-sensing flow-sharing system (9), of the type comprising two independent circuits at the sides of an intermediate summation element (3). The two circuits are configured for connecting to a low pressure line (T) and respective load-sensing (LS) delivering apparatus (PA) and (PB) via respective high pressure lines (P1) and (P2) and load-sensing signal lines (LS1) and (LS2); each line (LS1) and (LS2) connectable to a respective bleed valve (b1) and (b2). The two circuits are connectable to respective utilities via the connections (A1, B1, A2, B2, A3, A4, B3, B4) placed on respective elements (E1, E2, E3, E4) of said modular hydraulic system (9), of which (E2) and (E3) are served by said apparatus (PA) and (PB), respectively. The intermediate summation element (3) can be controlled electrically to keep (P1) and (P2), channels (ST1) and (ST2) coming from said elements (E1, E2) and signals (LS1) and (LS2) separated, or keep them combined. In a first position (I), element (3) keeps the circuits and thereby the high pressure lines (P1) and (P2), elements (E2, E3) downstream of the relative compensators and upstream of the return to the relative spools (ST1 and ST2) separated and independent, it also keeps lines (LS1) and (LS2) separated; in a second position (II), it combines the two circuits into one, combining the high pressure lines (P1) and (P2), and elements (E2, E3); channels (LS1) and (LS2), connecting them to only one of the two bleeds; in a third position (III), it only connects the high pressure lines (P1) and (P2), keeping lines (LS1) and (LS2) separated; also keeping (ST1) and (ST2) of elements (E2, E3) separated.