Key Words:  Virtual Machine, Knowledge Management System, Downstream Design, Mechatronic, Electrohydraulic, Dynamic, Hydraulic, Energy Consumption, Efficiency, Power Analysis, Hydrostatic Transmission

Abstract:  In the world of simulation software, many different approaches are used to obtain accurate hydraulic circuit simulation. Most of these tools model components as a set of mathematical equations parameterized with mechanical and geometric data for each component. They are able to simulate in-depth specific functions of a circuit, however, it becomes progressively a more demanding task to simulate more complex and complete systems. One of the key elements of simulation software is its ability to model valve performance in terms of flow characteristics, pressure drop and flow force. This also holds true for pumps and motors where the knowledge of efficiencies is required to achieve realistic duty cycle behaviour. In this paper, the chosen approach is to demonstrate the efficiency of modeling components using a software downstream design methodology by implementing readily available performance curves and other characteristics of hydraulic components and functions. This downstream method of modeling components ensures the reliability and accuracy of systems behaviour based on manufacturer-specific data and allows for fast simulation of complete virtual machines which is impractical to achieve by traditional upstream programming. The simulation of a complete hydraulic system delivers global validation and analysis capabilities that can also be exploited beyond the engineering design scope including maintenance diagnostics and training activities.

This paper will demonstrate that using Automation Studio™  ̶  a commercially available off-the-shelf drawing and simulation software tool that uses mainly downstream design  ̶  simulation data and OEM product information can be easily entered from a readily available hydraulic component vendor in order to create valves, pumps and motors for fast and accurate sizing and system simulation of a virtual machine. The ability to realistically simulate entire machines offers a unique capability to monitor, and study specific performance criteria such as: hysteresis, pressure drop, leakage, flow force, and other flow/pressure characteristics, power generation and transmission up to the full energy consumption at various operating conditions.

 

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