Innovation Progress in Research on Gravitational Potential Energy Recovery and Utilization of Hydraulic Driven Mechanical Arm

Abstract

The huge gravitational potential energy accumulated in the lifting operation of the heavy duty lifting mechanism driven by hydraulic cylinders is converted into heat energy through the throttling effect of the hydraulic valve in the lowering process. This not only causes large energy waste, but also requires additional cooling devices to lower the temperature, which increases the energy consumption and cost of the machine. The solution is to efficiently recover and utilize the potential energy. A comprehensive analysis and summary of the researches on gravitational potential energy recovery and utilization with electrical and hydraulic methods are made. According to the energy conversion and transfer path of the potential energy recuperation, the advantages and shortcomings of electrical method, direct using a hydraulic accumulator method, closed pump control with a hydraulic accumulator method and using a hydraulic accumulator balance the mechanical arm method are analysed. At last, the hydraulic and electrical hybrid mechanical arm driving system with less energy conversions, short energy transfer path and high efficiency in each link is proposed. The working principle and energy efficiency characteristics are analysed and experiment tests are carried out. The research results have important guiding significance in designing and popularizing the efficient mechanical arm driven by hydraulic cylinder.