Simulation on an electro-hydrostatic actuator controlled by a high-pressure piezoelectric pump with a displacement amplifier

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a new hydrostatic actuator controlled by a piezoelectric piston pump and to reveal its characteristics. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, a piezoelectric pump with passive poppet valves and hydraulic displacement amplifier is designed as a new control component in a hydrostatic actuator for high actuation capacity. A component-level mathematical model is established to describe the system characteristics. Simulation verification for cases under typical conditions is implemented to evaluate the delivery behavior of the pump and the carrying ability of the actuator. Findings By using the displacement amplifier and the passive distributing valves, simulation demonstrates that the pump can deliver flow rate up to 3 L/min, and the actuator controlled by this pump can push an object weighing approximately 50 kg. In addition, it is particularly important to decide a proper amplification ratio of the amplifier in the pump for better actuation performance. Originality/value The piezoelectric pump presented in this paper has its potential to light hydrostatic actuator. The model constructed in this paper is valid for characteristic analysis and performance evaluation of this pump and actuators.