Moog (www.moog.com) presented a prototype hybrid electrohydrostatic actuator (EHA) that avoids the mechanical gearing and screws usually needed for purely electric actuators during the SPS/IPC/Drives show in Germany.

The EHA, unlike conventional hydraulic actuators, needs no hydraulic piping, therefore improving reliability and cutting costs.

The actuator uses Moog’s hydraulics and electrical expertise which are applied to aircraft flight controls for over 18 years. The company aims to transfer such expertise to industrial applications where redundant or failsafe operation and high forces are needed, delivering cost, environmental, and energy benefits.

Moog’s EHA technology offers high efficiency and reliability to machine-builders with reduced wear, space savings, and up to 40 percent weight savings. The integrated design increases reliability while long hydraulic lines and rotary couplings are avoided.

The actuator particularly caters to low duty-cycle or actuation-on-demand applications requiring high force density typical of hydraulic systems. Operating the electric system reduces energy consumption.

The self-contained actuator incorporates electric and hydraulic components such as hydraulic pump and valves, servomotor, accumulator, manifold, software and controller. Fluid is used to transmit power to the actuator from the motor, which rotates only when movement is needed, thus reducing wear and saving energy. Eliminating the risk of leaks and environmental contamination, the hydraulic components and fluid are placed within the assembly.

“The motion control industry is seeking new technologies that address the need for better energy efficiency and reliability at lower weight and size,” said Dr Sherif El Henaoui, Marketing Manager at Moog Industrial Europe.