Abstract
This paper deals with the system modeling and dynamic characteristics of an electro-pneumatic hybrid actuator. This system is composed of a pneumatic, an electric and a mechanical driving sub-system. The pneumatic driving system controls the pressure supporting the inertial mass, which means that the pressure corresponds to the gravitational force acting on it. The electric driving system with small capacity moves the inertial mass vertically by way of a ball screw as a mechanical driving sub-system. In the present study, in order to develop the electro-pneumatic hybrid actuator, the mathematical model of this system has been refined by comparing calculation data with the experimental results, especially through measuring precisely frictional force of the ball screw. Also, the power consumption as well as the dynamic characteristics have been investigated numerically when the inertial mass moves vertically upwards and downwards during one cycle. The method of predicting power consumption during one cycle will be useful to select a suitable driving motor in the design stage.
