The Basics Of Electrohydraulic Control Systems: An Overview

Electrohydraulic control systems are becoming increasingly common in industrial applications because they provide precise, reliable, cost-effective actuator control. This article will examine the basics of electrohydraulic control systems and explore their benefits in detail. We’ll also cover the components used in these systems and discuss some key considerations when designing an electrohydraulic system.

What is an Electrohydraulic Control System?

An electrohydraulic control system is a type of hydraulic system that uses electrical energy to power its components. These systems are used in various automotive, aerospace, and industrial applications.

They have three main components:

• Electric motor
• Hydraulic pump
• Control valve

The electric motor powers the hydraulic pump, which pressurises the fluid in the system. The control valve regulates the flow of fluid through the system.

Electrohydraulic control systems can be either closed-loop or open-loop. Closed-loop systems have feedback loops that allow the system to regulate itself. Open-loop systems do not have feedback loops and rely on the operator to adjust.

They are used in various applications where precise control is required. They are often used in automotive and aerospace applications because they can provide fast and accurate control at high speeds. Industrial applications also use electrohydraulic control systems for material handling and machine tool operation.

Components of an Electrohydraulic Control System

An electrohydraulic control system (EHCS) is a type of control system that uses hydraulic fluid to actuate and control mechanical devices. EHCSs are used in various applications, such as aircraft flight control, automotive braking systems, and construction machinery.

EHCSs typically consist of four main components: 

• Power unit - It provides the energy needed to operate the system. 
• Control unit - It regulates the flow of hydraulic fluid to the actuator.
• Actuator - The actuator is responsible for moving or controlling the device to which the EHCS is attached. 
• Sensor - The sensor monitors the position or condition of the device being controlled by the EHCS and relays this information back to the control unit.

Benefits of Using an Electrohydraulic Control System

There are many benefits of using an electrohydraulic control system. 

• The most obvious benefit is that electrohydraulic systems offer a much higher level of controllability than hydraulic systems. 
• This is because electrohydraulic control systems use electronic signals to activate and deactivate valves rather than relying on fluid pressure alone.
• Another significant benefit of electrohydraulic control systems is that they are much more energy efficient than hydraulic systems. 
• This is because there is no need to generate high-pressure fluid flows to achieve desired results.
• Additionally, due to increased efficiency, electrohydraulic control systems often have lower overall operating costs.                 
• Finally, electrohydraulic control systems offer several safety advantages over traditional hydraulic systems. 
• For example, if there is a power failure, an emergency stop button can immediately shut off all power to the system. 
• Additionally, if a component fails, the system can often be designed not to cause serious harm to people or property.

Types of Electrohydraulic Control Systems

There are two main types of electrohydraulic control systems: linear and nonlinear.

Linear electrohydraulic control systems are the most common type. They use a linear relationship between the electrical signal and the hydraulic output. The advantage of this type of system is that it is relatively simple and easy to design and build.

Nonlinear electrohydraulic control systems are less common but offer advantages over linear systems. In a nonlinear system, the relationship between the electrical signal and the hydraulic output is not linear. This means that the system can respond more quickly to changes in input, which can be useful in some applications.

Troubleshooting Common Issues with electrohydraulic Control Systems

If you're having issues with your electrohydraulic control system, a few common troubleshooting tips can help. 

• Check all of the connections to make sure they're secure. 
• Next, check the fluid level in the reservoir and replenish it if necessary.
• Check the pressure gauge to ensure the system operates within the correct range.

If you're still experiencing problems, it's best to consult a professional. They can help identify the root cause of the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Conclusion

We covered how the EHCS work and what components are necessary to function properly. Skill-Lync helps you to learn more about electrohydraulic control systems by providing concise, easy-to-understand explanations of the basics. You'll be able to understand how these systems work and their benefits. Skill-Lync offers courses on various topics, including CAD, EV design, CFD using MATLAB etc. Join our courses to upskill your knowledge to get the best career!