Flow versus pressure control of pumps in mobile hydraulic systems

Abstract

This work studies an innovative working hydraulic system design for mobile applications, referred to as flow control. The fundamental difference compared to load-sensing systems is that the pump is controlled based on the operator's command signals rather than feedback signals from the loads. This control approach enables higher energy efficiency since the pressure difference between pump and load is given by the system resistance rather than a prescribed pump pressure margin. Furthermore, load-sensing systems suffer from poor dynamic characteristics since the pump is operated in a closed-loop control mode. This might result in an oscillatory behaviour. Flow control systems have no stability issues attached to the load pressure feedback since there is none. This allows the pump to be designed to meet the response requirements without considering system stability. Pressure compensators are key components in flow control systems. This study addresses the flow matching problem which occurs when using traditional compensators in combination with a flow-controlled pump. Flow sharing pressure compensators solve this problem since the pump flow will be distributed between all active functions. Simulation results and measurements on a wheel loader application demonstrate the energy-saving potentials and the dynamic improvements for the flow control system. © IMechE 2013.