Viable Energy Recovery Strategies through advanced Directional Control Valve

The demand for more efficient machines is pushing hydraulic manufacturers to develop a new generation of systems capable of energy saving and recovering. An advanced flow sharing directional control valve withdownstream compensation reduces meter-out pressure losses and recovers energy both in combined movementsand with overrunning loads. Tests carried out on a prototype on a test bench confirm the proper functioning of the concept and allow tuning its lumped parameters numerical model. A control strategy based on keeping the optimal compensator position allows computing the maximum theoretical recovery. The simulation of a mini-excavatordigging cycle shows the energy saving and recovery compared to a standard flow sharing system .