A survey on electro hydrostatic actuator: Architecture and way ahead

Abstract

The nascent development in the field of the hydraulic actuator is the integration of various cutting edge technology like mechanical, hydraulic, control and electrical the result is the multidisciplinary final product which is high-performance Electro Hydrostatic Actuator (EHA). This is an independent direct actuation method which is also known as “power-by-wire” (PBW) technology. This technology is design to replace the cumbersome leak-prone centralized hydraulic system with a compact and reliable actuation system. This technology originally developed for flight control application but due to enhance reliability and increasing popularity currently, it is being used in many industrial applications for different purposes. This paper attempt to bring out the component level comprehensive insight of EHA and consolidate all available literature of this field in the form of literature survey. These papers also talk about the pros and cons of the system and various control methods to curb noted disadvantages. Most of the existing research literature considers the EHA with an asymmetrical cylinder which is widely used in aircraft. However, in industrial application, the asymmetrical cylinder is most suited and predominately used. The control of asymmetrical cylinder poses a greater challenge vis-a-vis symmetrical cylinder due to differences in the area of two-chamber. This paper also tries to throw some light on the methods of controlling the cylinders. Finally, this paper concludes by finding research gaps and further scope of improvements and application of EHA in armoured recovery vehicles.