Combined speed control and centralized power supply for hybrid energy-efficient mobile hydraulics

Improving energy efficiency in mobile hydraulics is paramount and feasible via machine electrification, but all actuators' power in standard systems must flow through the electric motors, which is unfeasible for medium-to-high power applications. Therefore, this paper leverages the idea of spli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Automation in construction 2022-08, Vol.140, p.104337, Article 104337
Main Authors: Fresia, Paola, Rundo, Massimo, Padovani, Damiano, Altare, Gabriele
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Actuators
Downsizing
Electric motors
Electrification
Electro-hydraulic system
Energy efficiency
Energy recovery
Excavators
Fluid flow
Fluid power
Hybrid system
Hybrid systems
Hydraulic excavator
Hydraulics
Power rating
Speed control
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Summary:Improving energy efficiency in mobile hydraulics is paramount and feasible via machine electrification, but all actuators' power in standard systems must flow through the electric motors, which is unfeasible for medium-to-high power applications. Therefore, this paper leverages the idea of splitting the transferred power between the hydraulic and electric domains to save energy while downsizing the electric motors. A novel layout of a hybrid excavator is presented, validated using high-fidelity simulations, and compared to the state-of-the-art, load-sensing machine. The results show the expected system's functioning and efficiency benefits (fuel savings close to 28% compared to the original excavator). Almost 60% of the energy is transferred to the actuators hydraulically minimizing the power rating of the electric machines in favor of the system's cost and compactness. Future research will focus on controlling the hybrid system to maximize energy savings and make it easily applicable to different fluid power machines. •Electrification enhances energy efficiency and recovers energy in mobile hydraulics•The main actuators become individual electro-hydraulic drives using speed control•A centralized hydraulic power supply supports the individual electric motors•Splitting hydraulic and electric power downsizes the electric machines (less costs)•The hybrid excavator saves fuel up to 28% and uses small electric motors
ISSN:0926-5805
1872-7891
DOI:10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104337