Session: Digital Hydraulic

Paper Number: 111694

111694 - Design and Experimental Investigation of an Additively Manufactured High-Speed Switching Valve 

Digital hydraulic technologies represent innovative developments in fluid power research with the prospect of replacing loss-heavy resistance-controlled valve systems and thus improving the energy efficiency of hydraulic systems. High-speed switching valves sit at the core of digital hydraulic systems. The characteristics of the valve have a dominant influence on the overall system energy efficiency and performance. Current state-of-the-art switching valve designs require a compromise on either valve resistance, maximum switching frequency, compact and lightweight design or efficient actuation. This paper presents the design and experimental analysis of a novel, additively manufactured (AM) high-speed, high-performance switching valve for the use in digital hydraulic applications. The AM-based design allows flow-optimised internal galleries for high flow rates at minimised pressure drops. An innovative valve controller operates the valve at optimal frequencies to minimise energy losses. Experimental steady-state and dynamic valve responses are presented. Flow rates of up to 85 L/min at a pressure drop of 3.7 bar could be shown. A maximum switching frequency of 123 Hz was achieved, and the switching control algorithm was validated. Three testing rig configurations were constructed to investigate the valve characteristics. Simulated and experimental results showed excellent steady-state and promising dynamic performance of the valve. The work constitutes an important contribution to the field of high-speed switching valves in presenting a high performing and commercially viable AM-based switching valve with the potential to further progress digital hydraulic technologies.

Presenting Author: Lukas Matias University of Bath, Centre for Power Transmission and Motion Control/ Domin Fluid Power Limited

Presenting Author Biography: 2014 - 2021 Technische Universitaet Dresden, Dipl. Ing. Mechanical Engineering
2021 - present University of Bath, PhD student
2021 - present Domin Fluid Power Limited, Systems Engineer

The author graduated in 2021 and has been working in fluid power research for 5 years gaining extensive knowledge in the simulation and control of electro-hydraulic actuators and systems. He is currently pursuing a PhD degree at Bath University in collaboration with Domin Fluid Power Limited to further study energy-efficient digital hydraulic systems.