Analysis of a novel energy-efficient system with double-actuator for hydraulic press

The improvement of the energy efficiency of press forming machines has attracted increasing attention in recent years. Hydraulic forming equipment is extensively used in many industries but suffers from high energy consumption and low energy efficiency. This study proposes a novel energy-efficient system with double-actuator to reduce the energy consumption of hydraulic presses. In the proposed system, the chambers with rod of the two actuators are connected by pipes and valves to synchronize the falling procedure of one cylinder with the returning procedure of the other. One actuator remains at the top point to perform the demanded procedure, while the other remains at the bottom to perform the corresponding procedure. The energy-saving mechanisms during each working process, which features several procedures, have been analyzed using a building system energy consumption model. In addition, improved energy efficiency and working efficiency were observed. Compared with the hydraulic press that currently undergoes services, the energy-saving effect of the developed system is obtained after testing. Results indicate that energy consumption can be reduced by 20.61% and the working efficiency can be increased by 26.09% in a working process. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.