Implementation of a Pump Control System for a Wheel Loader Application

Sammanfattning: A lot of today’s new developments strive for energy efficiency. This includes the hydraulic side of industry. The Division of Fluid andMechanical Engineering Systems of Linköpings University in collaboration with Volvo Construction Equipment in Eskilstuna has developed a newhydraulic concept when it comes to the control of cylinder loads in a wheel loader. The concept differs from today’s application, where the cylinderload is controlled via a valve, in the way that the load is solely controlled by a pump. To control this system, an electrical feed back of operatorsdemanded signal is needed. These signals have to be correctly interpreted so that valve and the pumps perform the requested operation. The newsystem is going to need a unit that can perform these operations in a way that corresponds to the operating level of today’s hydraulically controlledsystem.The study aims to develop a software platform that solves this. This platform shall, besides performing the operators’ demands, monitor the system.The monitoring of the system is a crucial part because of security issues, but also when analyzing the systems functionality. The implementation ofthis software will be done in a real-time computer with the ability to collect data, interpret it and then control the connected units of the system.Further work that is to be done is an energy consumption study of today’s hydraulic system, and on the basis of this study, theoretically evaluate thenew system.The study has resulted in a great insight of an industrial mechanic machine, this in a level that includes an entire system. The wide range of thistask has brought analysis and development of both hydraul mechanical-, electrical- and software related systems. With an understanding of these,both separate and in interaction with each other, a platform has been designed that shall facilitate the forthcoming development of energy efficienthydraulics, both at VCE and LiTH.