Fluidlexikon

Electronic Flow Sharing

"Electronic Flow Sharing" describes the flow rate distribution of the pump flow to the individual consumers in a hydraulic system by means of electronic control.

Flow sharing addresses the problem of undersupply in hydraulic systems. Undersupply in this case means that a hydraulic pump cannot provide sufficient Output volume for all valves. By means of "flow sharing", the available delivery volume is in principle distributed proportionally to the respective requirements of the valves. In addition, there may be requirements regarding the maintenance of certain functions, so that priorities must be set for certain functions and thus individual valve sections. This can be implemented as required with the help of electronic flow sharing.

Example: A hydraulic pump can deliver 100 l/min. Two consumers (actuators) are to be supplied. A problem arises as soon as both control valves together require more than 100 l/min. If both valves were to request 70 l/min, the valve with the lower pressure would normally be fully supplied. By means of "Electronic Flow Sharing" the supply is divided proportionally, i.e. each valve receives 50 l/min.

"Electronic Flow Sharing" can be implemented in valve banks with the CAN-BUS. The electronic control unit onboard knows and monitors each individual valve section:

- the nominal flow rate
- their priority
- the maximum pump volume
- the nominal flow rate of all other valve sections in the same valve bank

This allows each valve section to calculate the desired total flow rate and thus set its own flow rate in relation to its priority and to its requirements.

Electronic Flow Sharing

Suitable HAWE Products: