Janusz Pluta

Energy Recovering in Active Vibration Isolation System — Results of Experimental Research

Studies of systems with energy regeneration have been carried out for years, because they primarily cover the assemblies with electrodynamic actuators. This paper addresses the issue of active reduction of mechanical vibration using an electrohydraulic actuator. The testing procedure aims to assess the potential use of those assemblies in a different frequency band and force range than in electrodynamic actuators. The paper explains the operating principle of the system, and the findings of laboratory tests are presented. The tested vibration reducing system is the physical model of a 2 degree-of-freedom (DOF) suspension. An initial analysis has been conducted to explore the potential use of the energy produced by the vibration of unsprung mass in the first degree of the suspension system, for power supply to the active component incorporated in the second suspension degree. The energy recuperated from the first suspension DOF is transferred by a dedicated hydraulic system and stored in an accumulator. Results of the experiments revealed that the mechanical parameters of the system can be selected in such a way that for specific interfering signals the accumulated energy should be at least equal to the energy used up by the system.

Testing of Throttle Valve Prototype Controlled by Piezoelectric Stack

This paper aims to present the results of the testing a single-stage electrically actuated throttle valve, in which a piezoelectric stack was used for adjustment of the flow section area of the throttle aperture. The valve prototype was built based on a proprietary design, using the components of a standard manufactured overflow valve. The complete valve was designed on the basis of the results of simulation tests performed on a mathematical model. The constitutive equations presented herein, describing all critical phenomena and influences present in the component, were applied for the modelling of the piezoelectric stack. Laboratory tests were carried out to establish the valve’s characteristics, describing its usefulness for control of flow intensity. LabView software was used for measuring the data gathered. The test results, after conversion, were developed using the Matlab/Simuling software package. This paper presents the most notable results of the tests of a normally open valve equipped with a high-voltage piezoelectric stack. Based on the results obtained, the functional correlation between the volumetric flow rate, pressure drop in the throttling aperture and control signal input to the piezoelectric stack were determined. Due to the comprehensive approach involved, the material presented herein may be prove useful to designers of valves and hydraulic units using piezoelectric stacks for controlling their operating units.