Performance of a Pump Controlled Asymmetric Actuator: A Comparison of Different Control Methods Available to Purchase

This paper discusses different stabilizing pump control methods to improve and optimize the damping of a pump controlled asymmetric linear actuator response. The main purpose of the paper has been to study the redeeming features and drawbacks of influencing the actuator response by pump control without direct position, velocity or pressure feedback from the actuator. To the author’s knowledge, this type of stabilizing method is novel to pump controlled hydraulic drives. Pole placement techniques with both pump speed and displacement control are discussed and finally the system performance is compared by simulation with a system where dynamic pressure feedback has been used. Preliminary optimal tuning rules for the pump speed controller and pump volumetric displacement value have been derived and their applicability to high, varying inertial loading application has been assessed. Results indicate clear improvements of the actuator response damping level with the suggested rules but also raise the demands for pump torque and displacement range.