Functionality Analysis of Electric Actuators in Renewable Energy Systems—A Review

Abstract

Various mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and hybrid actuators can alter motion per the requirements of particular applications. However, except for electrical ones, all actuators are restricted due to their size, complex auxiliary equipment, frequent need for maintenance, and sluggish environment in renewable applications. This brief review paper highlights some unique and significant research works on applying electrical actuators to renewable applications. Four renewable energy resources, i.e., solar, wind, bio-energy, and geothermal energy, are considered to review electric actuators applicable to renewable energy systems. This review analyses the types of actuators associated with the mentioned renewable application, their functioning, their motion type, present use, advantages, disadvantages, and operational problems. The information gathered in this paper may open up new ways of optimization opportunities and control challenges in electrical actuators, thereby making more efficient systems. Furthermore, some energy-efficient and cost-effective replacements of convectional actuators with new innovative ones are suggested. This work aims to benefit scientists and new entrants working on actuators in renewable energy systems.

Robust decomposed system control for an electro‐mechanical linear actuator mechanism under input constraints

“…8,9 The ongoing trend towards electrification in the field of mobile manipulators has led to the emergence of electro-mechanical linear actuators (EMLAs) as an alternative to hydraulic actuators, as they comprise a class of devices designed to transform electrical energy into linear motion, enabling the execution of various functions 10 and typically consisting of several components, including a motor, lead screw or ball screw, nut, and load-bearing component. 11,12 The motor is responsible for providing the required rotational force, and the lead or ball screw is utilized to convert the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion. Permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) are a common motor type utilized in EMLAs due to their numerous benefits, including high power and torque density, allowing them to generate substantial force and power relative to their size.…”

“…Furthermore, they offer more accurate control, as they integrate with sensors and advanced electronic control systems to enable greater precision when performing such tasks as lifting and moving heavy objects 8,9 . The ongoing trend towards electrification in the field of mobile manipulators has led to the emergence of electro‐mechanical linear actuators (EMLAs) as an alternative to hydraulic actuators, as they comprise a class of devices designed to transform electrical energy into linear motion, enabling the execution of various functions 10 and typically consisting of several components, including a motor, lead screw or ball screw, nut, and load‐bearing component 11,12 …”

Selection guidance of electrical actuation with different gearheads for power-off load latching

“…In summary, power-off load latching in electromechanical actuation retains specific states, data, or positions after the primary power source is disconnected, providing functionality, and safety (the device remains locked or in a safe position even under system malfunction, or serves as a fail-safe providing an additional layer of protection), convenience, precision control, reduced wear, and tear because the holding mechanism is not continuously engaged, and energy efficiency (does not require continuous power supply) in various applications [7], and other cost benefits in specific applications not requiring the installation of brakes [8]. Power-off holding allows for a controlled release of the held position or load.…”

Comparison of hydraulic, pneumatic and electric linear actuation systems

“…These two fluids have quite different properties (compressibility, density, etc.). It is much more difficult to compare an electric 2 , 9 , 14 , 20 , 22 , 37 , 38 system with a hydraulic or pneumatic system, because the only commonality is the input power (power consumption) or the output force they produce. In this study, the limit was the input power (1.1 kW) without stored energy (hydraulic accumulator or pressure vessel).…”