Development of a Dual Supply H-Bridge Amplifier for High Speed Actuation of Digital Hydraulic Switching Valves

Abstract

For many digital hydraulic systems, fast and precise valve actuation is a key to improve efficiency and performance. Such an actuation may be achieved by optimizing the valve design from a mechanical and hydraulically point of view. But additionally, power electronics for valve actuation has to be given also high attention since it can have significant influence on valve dynamics, particularly in case of high-speed actuation with switching times in the range of 1 ms or less. Such actuation poses requirements that are not met by standard power electronics. These requirements are analysed in this paper and a proper schematic for the power electronics is derived. Measurements with a corresponding prototype prove that a fast, precise and very repeatable valve actuation can be achieved if the power electronics is conceived according to the characteristics of high speed valves.

Digital Hydraulic Technology: Applications, Challenges, and Future Direction

“…However, it is worth noting that the current highest achievable switching frequencies for the fastest valves range from 50 to 150 Hz, and for very small valves, they can reach up to 1000 Hz for short-term operation [26]. These characteristics have led to use of HFSVs in the automotive industry, particularly for controlling the ABS (Anti Brake-locking System) brakes of cars and actuating wet clutches, specifically dual clutch systems, which contribute to enhancing vehicle safety [27], [28].…”