Numerical Analysis of Energy Recovery of Hybrid Loader Actuators Based on Parameters Optimization

Abstract

The conventional loader actuator hydraulic system suffers from the potential energy waste problem of the boom arm. This study proposes a hydraulic control method and control strategy for the energy recovery and regeneration of a hybrid loader arm. When the boom arm drops, the piston side of the boom cylinder charges the accumulator, and the system achieves energy recovery. When the boom arm rises, the accumulator releases hydraulic energy to drive the energy regeneration hydraulic motor to provide energy for the system, and the system achieves energy regeneration. The system’s principle analysis and the mathematical model are completed based on Boyle’s, Newton’s second law, and the flow continuity principle. The simulation model is established using AMESim 2D mechanical library, HCD library, and signal library. Under the typical working condition, 50-type wheel loader numerical simulation research is conducted, and the system cylinder motion characteristics, accumulator charging and discharging performance, system energy recovery, and regeneration performance are obtained. On this basis, energy recovery and regeneration efficiency are selected as optimization objectives. The optimal designs of accumulator and energy regeneration hydraulic motor parameters are carried out to obtain the influence law of accumulator and hydraulic motor parameters on system energy recovery and regeneration, and the energy-saving effect of the system is analyzed. The results show that the optimized parameters effectively improve the system energy recovery and regeneration efficiency and reduce engine fuel consumption. The system provides a reference for designing an energy recovery system and researching the energy-saving technology of loaders.