Pressure characteristics of a novel double rotor hydraulic transformer

The hydraulic transformer is the core component when it works with the common pressure rail system, which integrates the functions of the pump and the motor, and thus possesses sensitive pressure characteristics. The rotating speed has significant influence on the pressure characteristics of a hydraulic transformer while it has not been considered previously. In this study, aimed at improving the working performance, a novel double rotor hydraulic transformer is proposed and a comprehensive mathematical model considering the dynamic characteristics of the cylinder block is established. At the same time, a prototype is made and the experiment is conducted. The test results show that the robust rotor structure enables a larger pressure range, and the numerical results exhibit a good match with the test results. The parameter sensitivity study shows that the delivery pressure is mainly subject to the valve plate control angle δ and, under the effects of the resistance torques, pressure loss will occur especially under a large control angle and a high rotating speed. The magnitude of the instantaneous angular velocity fluctuation increases sharply when the speed is lower than 400 r/min, which is the main reason for the serious pressure pulsation at a low speed. As a result of the improved low-speed stability and output flow uniformity, the pressure pulsation rate of the double rotor hydraulic transformer is greatly reduced. However, the pulsation rate is still high at an extremely low speed. In addition, when the rotating speed exceeds the capability of the damping grooves, the pressure undershoot becomes serious at the A-T transition region around the control angle of −30°. Consequently, from the perspective of pressure characteristics, the limitation on the rotating speed under small control angles is suggested for the design of the double rotor hydraulic transformer controller.