EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH OF PROPERTIES OF HYDRAULIC DRIVE FOR VALVES OF INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES

Abstract

This paper describes a research stand and results of experimental research of single-acting hydraulic drive for valves of internal combustion engines. The research stand of the hydraulic valve drive was consisted of: typical valve drive for high-speed internal combustion engine, commercial hydraulic actuator, commercial hydraulic accumulator and electrically controlled hydraulic distributor, which controlled the flow of oil supply to the hydraulic actuator. Rexroth commercial servovalve was used as hydraulic distributor for this valve drive. Components of hydraulic valve drive were mounted to specially designed research sleeve. On this sleeve complete drive, which consisted of a hydraulic cylinder and servovalve, was mounted. Drive control was performed in an open loop with a use of rectangular control signal. Displacement of the valve was measured by an optical displacement sensor. Tests were performed for constant lift of the valve, supply pressure set in the range of 6 to 10 MPa and at fixed temperature of the working medium and different initial deflections of valve spring. The behaviour of the drive was researched for bipolar and a rectangular control signals. Such range of measurements was to determine inter alia: the impact of the supply pressure and the control signals values on the drive work. Obtained results were used to verify the simulation model in a wide range of variation of the characteristic parameters of the electro-hydraulic actuator. The results of experimental measurements like valve movement and pressures in the drive were shown and analysed in this paper. With a reference to the valve movement, a detailed calculations of the valve kinematics were performed. Special attention was given to the opening and closing velocities of the valve, depending on the servo control signal. Subsidence valve velocity during its return movement was calculated. This subsidence valve velocity is an important parameter in terms of the applicability of this drive for the internal combustion engines. Valve opening time delay in opposition to the current control signal was also specified and discussed. Obtained results allowed to conclude that the proposed drive provides acceptable kinematic parameters for high-speed engines at supply pressures of at least 8 to 10 MPa. During the measurements acceptable valve subsidence speeds were obtained. It was found that there is a possibility of adjustment of this parameter by setting the slider servovalve negative overlap. Results became the basis of development of the model of this type of the drive. Further simulation studies will allow to evaluate the applicability of such valve drive for internal combustion engines. Further simulation studies allow to compare the proposed solution with known literature hydraulic valve drives.