Project / Leader: 1A.2 - Prof. Monika Ivantysynova (Purdue)
Title: Optimal power management for mobile fluid power machines using displacement-controlled actuators.
Project Goal:
This project will create new hydraulic systems and computerized controls for construction machinery that work better and use less fuel.
What is the problem?
Large machines like excavators run on diesel fuel. Today’s machines burn much more fuel than they need to, which costs a lot of money and hurts the environment.
What are we doing to solve the problem?
We are designing new hydraulic systems that use less energy. They are called “pump-controlled” or “displacement-controlled” because they use hydraulic pumps in a new, more efficient way.
Most of today’s excavators are controlled mechanically with levers that move hydraulic valves. Tomorrow’s machines will be computer controlled with electronic joysticks, like a video game. The computer will control the engine and the excavator arm so that they work using the least amount of fuel possible.
With pump-controlled hydraulics and computer controls, new excavators (and other construction machinery) will be easier to use and save fuel, too.
