machine building & automation - Industrial Technology Magazine

FLUID POWERNew electro hydrostaticdesign concept unveiledReliable hybrid technology used ina new energy-saving solution for avariety of industrial applicationsCombining hydraulic and electric technology in aself-contained system, Moog’s innovative ElectroHydrostatic Actuator (EHA) concept integrateshigh performance Moog products including aServo Motor, Hydraulic Pump, Hydraulic Valves,Manifold, Accumulator, Controller and Software.Moog’s engineers leveraged the company’s expertisein both electric and hydraulic technologies to develop thisoptimised energy-efficient and reliable system. “At Moog,we refer to ourselves as ‘technology-neutral’ because wedesign both hydraulic and electric solutions,” says Dr.Sherif El Henaoui of Moog Industrial. “Therefore we havedeveloped a deep understanding of the advantages anddisadvantages of each technology for particularapplications. This solution leverages this know-how tocreate innovative hybrid designs that combine bothtechnologies, in compact, reliable and highly efficientsystems.”Unlike an electric actuator, Electro Hydrostatictechnology requires no screws or gearing. It differs fromhydraulic actuators in that it requires no hydraulic piping,thereby reducing cost and improving reliability. Thesystem is fully self-contained as all hydraulic and electriccomponents are highly integrated in the actuatorassembly.Electro Hydrostatic Actuators receive power from anelectric source by wire and transform a typically electronicinput command signal into motion. EHA uses fluidictransmission between the electric motor and actuator.Motors rotate only when movement is demanded, savingenergy and wear. Low duty cycle or actuation on demandapplications, that require the high force density of ahydraulic system, can benefit greatly from the energysavings of an EHA system. EHA includes hydrauliccomponents and fluid, both are self-contained within theactuator assembly, eliminating the potential of leaks andenvironmental contamination.This hybrid solution of hydraulic and electric drivetechnology allows the selection of the benefits of bothtechnologies: the low energy consumption of the electricsystem by power only on demand, the easy energy storagefor the fail safe movement and the high reliability of thehydraulic system. EHAs also offer a number of overallsystem benefits and cost savings. Moog’s EHA designoffers machine builders high energy efficiency andreliability, reduced envelope size, less wear onEHA uses fluidic transmissionbetween the electric motor and theactuator. Motors only rotate whenmovement is demanded, savingenergy and wearcomponents and up to 40% less weight. The selfcontainedEHA package removes the need for longhydraulic line lengths and rotary couplings, offeringsignificant cost savings in applications such as oil and gasand power generation equipment. The integrated systemsapproach means greater reliability for the customer asless individual components are required, lowering costsand downtime. Redundancy and fail-safe features are alsofully integrated offering minimal impact on cost, weight,envelope and reliability.EHA is an ideal option for applications that have highforce requirements and require redundant or advancedfail-safe systems, while also delivering energy, cost andenvironmental benefits. “The motion control industry isseeking new technologies that address the need for betterenergy efficiency and reliability at lower weight and size,”concludes Dr. El Henaoui. “Smart systems like EHAhybrid technology offer a new and innovative solutionsuited to a range of industrial applications.”.Moog has been providing industry-leading EHAsystems for flight controls for over 18 years and now hasbegun working with machine builders to apply thisexpertise to industrial applications that require high force,energy savings, environmental cleanliness andelimination of hydraulic piping.www.moog.co.ukBig output, small footprint with quad headsBuilding on its success with the VToil free range of low noise aircompressors, Bambi hasdeveloped a new 1.8kW versioncombining ultra compact dimensions with aclass leading air output. With noise levelsstarting as low as 74 dB(A), thesecompressors can be sited near the workingarea without causing noise nuisance. Thesilent VTS version has just 55dB(A), soperfect for location at point of use or even ina quiet office.The heart of the new VT250 range is ahighly compact, four-cylinder veearrangement pump unit, which is 100% oilfree in design, smooth running, vibrationfree and has a high delivery for its physicalsize. This format means the compressor’ssize is small enough to allow integrallocation for OEM applications.The internally coated air receiverprotects against corrosion and each model isavailable with an optional twin tower airdryer ensuring hygienic quality air.Bambi reports that sales have alreadybeen established in applications as diverseas large format printing, autoclaves,packaging, pharmaceutical andlaboratory, industries.www.bambi-air.co.uk46INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY • April 2012