An integrated compact digital hydraulic converter prototype for hydraulic transmission

Digital hydraulic converters are innovative devices that enable efficient regulation and control of hydraulic fluid flow and pressure. Unlike conventional methods that employ flow throttling and power dissipation, digital hydraulic converters use digital control signals to create highly efficient hydraulic fluid power systems. In this study, a new, compact, highly efficient, and high-bandwidth digital hydraulic converter prototype was developed and investigated. The new converter comprises a high-flowrate, low-resistance, and high-speed rotary valve, inertance and capacitive components, and real-time programmable logic controllers (PLCs) to form an integrated digital hydraulic device. Analytical models of the prototype were developed to investigate converter performance and energy efficiency, followed by experimental validations. Analytical and experimental results showed that the new hydraulic converter has very good pressure dynamics, performance, and energy efficiency. This work contributes to the design and development of high-performance digital hydraulic components for sustainable hydraulic machinery.