Title:A Compact Hydraulic Switching Converter for Robotic ApplicationsAuthor(s):Helmut Kogler,  Rudolf Scheidl,  Michael Ehrentraut,  Emanuele Guglielmino,  Claudio Semini,  Darwin G. CaldwellAbstract:This paper is concerned with the application of switching technology to hydraulic actuation. Classical proportional flow control employing servo/proportional valves is dissipative and inefficient. By analogy it can be seen as the equivalent of resistive (rheostatic) motor control. In mobile outdoor robotic applications where high power density, ruggedness and reliability are key requirements, the low efficiency of proportional control can be a limitation and it is necessary to go beyond the paradigm of proportional flow/pressure control. One response to this challenge is to revisit traditional on-off hydraulic technology and develop systems and devices that behave in analogous manner to their power electronic counterparts. A prototype hydraulic switching converter, inspired by the electric DC-DC Buck converter, is presented. Its design, sizing and performance relative to a classical proportional valve-controlled system are assessed in the different operation modes. Pros and cons of the current design are identified.Booktitle:Proc. Bath/ ASME Symposium on Fluid Power and Motion Control - FPMC2010, September 15-17, 2010, Bath, UKPage Reference:page 56-68, 13 page(s)Publishing:9/2010

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