Study of a Pneumatic-electrical System for Exhaust Air Energy Recovery

In comparison to hydraulic and electrical actuators, the significant drawback of pneumatic actuators is low energy conversion ability which is due to the open-circuit structure in nature. This paper represents a hybrid pneumatic-electrical system for the purpose of recycling exhaust compressed air energy from existing pneumatic actuator outlets to generate electricity. A proper control strategy is developed to manage the actuator system operation and to ensure the energy recovery work well. The pneumatic- electrical system mathematical model and the simulation results are presented. The laboratory experimental tests are described. The system energy efficiency is also analyzed. The simulated and experimental studies demonstrate that the whole system operated by the designed controller can successfully recover exhaust compressed air energy under appropriate working conditions.