Energy saving for pneumatic actuation using dynamic model prediction

• Main Author: Yusop, M. Y. Mohd
• Published: Cardiff University 2006
• Subjects: 621.31
• Online Access: http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.583908

This research investigates a novel method for energy saving in a point-to-point actuation of a pneumatic system. The method predicts the system's actuation using the Gas Law and the actuator model, and commits air supply cut-off at the time when the energy in the actuator is sufficient to complete the actuation task. Experimental implementation is compared with simulation. The effect of the method is compared with conventional no cut-off and end-stroke cut-off actuations. Lumped and finite difference methods are used for transmission line and system actuation modelling. The transmission line, actuator and control valves are modelled and integrated for the system actuation simulation and comparisons between simulation and measured data are performed. Pressure oscillation in the transmission line exists and is captured by stimulating the air dynamics using a new transmission line experimental method. The friction model of the pneumatic actuator is determined by experiment and applied to the energy saving control system as well as the computer modelling algorithm. The determination of pneumatic transmission line bulk modulus is performed through experiment due to the confidentiality of Young's modulus value needed for its calculation. Significant effect has been achieved in implementation and it is found that cut off at end-stroke and cut-off using model prediction can reduce the amount of air potential energy wasted in conventional actuation by up to 43.5% and 80.2% respectively. However the actuation time of predicted cut-off increases by up to 25%.