{"id":2564,"date":"2022-12-15T22:15:31","date_gmt":"2022-12-15T22:15:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/?p=2564"},"modified":"2023-02-10T18:31:20","modified_gmt":"2023-02-10T18:31:20","slug":"what-is-electro-hydraulic-control-in-industrial-automation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.axcontrol.com\/blog\/2022\/what-is-electro-hydraulic-control-in-industrial-automation\/15\/12\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is Electro-Hydraulic Control in Industrial Automation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Industrial automation is a field with tons of different processes and technologies\u2014one of the most useful of which is electro-hydraulics. While this concept is fascinating on its own, electro-hydraulics are useless without a way to control them. We\u2019re going to dive deeper into electro-hydraulic control in industrial automation, as well as take a look at how electro-hydraulics are useful in a variety of facilities and applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Breaking It Down: Electro<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before we describe electro-hydraulics as a whole, it\u2019s important to have a basic understanding of the concepts that make up the process. The \u201celectro\u201d part of the word refers to the electrical portion of the process. In the case of electro-hydraulics, this electricity is used to send signals to various parts of the drive in order to instruct other areas to carry out given tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Breaking It Down: Hydraulic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The other half of electro-hydraulics are the hydraulics, a mechanical function that produces movement through liquid pressure. Hydraulic systems contain different actuators, irrigation systems, aqueducts, and hoses, depending on the function of the given system. You\u2019ll most commonly see hydraulics show up in automotive braking and power steering, but it\u2019s an essential function in industrial automation, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When we\u2019re discussing electro-hydraulics, this part of the system is used for its adjustable hydraulic valves that open and close.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Electro-Hydraulic Control Process<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When we put those unique halves together, we gain a better understanding of how the entire electro-hydraulic process works. Through the use of a solenoid (which is a coil of wire, a moveable plunger, and a housing), electrical energy is converted to mechanical energy that can open, close, or change the direction of liquid flow in a directional valve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electrical signals are sent to the solenoid, directing it to open, close, or change direction. Also at work in the valve are chambers known as ports. When the solenoid slides a spool inside the valve, different ports open or close. When liquid is blocked or allowed to flow, you can achieve different mechanical results in your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
All of this would not be possible without signal processing, which is done through electrical signals on a computer. When you have continuously adjustable valves and proportional valves, you can constantly adjust set points for increased process compensation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upgrading Hydraulic Systems<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Electro-hydraulic actuators are an improvement over basic hydraulic systems. Basic hydraulic systems require multiple hydraulic pumps and tubing, while electro-hydraulic actuators include a pump of their own. This makes system design simpler while also increasing the reliability and safety of your overall system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Using Electro-Hydraulic Control<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now that you have a solid understanding of the inner workings of an electro-hydraulic system, let\u2019s explore the benefits of using one in your facility or industry. For one thing, the efficiency upgrade from traditional hydraulic systems is substantial. Depending on what you will use your electro-hydraulic system for, you may be able to see an increase in efficiency of up to 80 percent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The reason for this sweeping change is the electro-hydraulic motor\u2019s power-on-demand capabilities. Your motor will use no energy when it is not specifically needed, which can significantly reduce the amount of energy waste in your facility. This leads to a secondary benefit in the form of an increased component lifespan. When you don\u2019t need to think about the engine and pump idling, bearings and seals will naturally last longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One other major benefit is the simplicity of the pump controls. Because of its unique design, signals only need to tell the pump information about speed and motor direction, as opposed to multiple proportional and directional values. Reduced complexity means that addressing problems when things go wrong becomes a much simpler situation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Electro-hydraulic actuators can additionally be used in some instances that surpass the capacity of traditional hydraulics, as they can handle up to a 4,800-pound load. Despite this increased capacity, electro-hydraulic actuators are quieter than traditional hydraulic actuators, which may be an additional benefit in certain situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Finally, the size and availability of electro-hydraulic motors is a large advantage. Because these require a high-energy battery pack as opposed to a gas engine, an electro-hydraulic unit has far more versatility. When engineers don\u2019t need to place a given component near others, it affords them greater design creativity and leads to a better final product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Thankfully, the price of these units is also falling as more and more companies begin to develop parts and components. For instance, we have all the parts you need for the Mark V DS200<\/strong><\/a> in stock now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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