DESIGN OF A TEST BENCH FOR EXPERIMENTING WITH AN ENERGY-EFFICIENT PNEUMATIC POSITIONING ACTUATOR
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35546/kntu2078-4481.2025.4.1.21Keywords:
pneumatic positioning actuator; positioning; energy-efficient actuator; experimental test bench; rodless cylinderAbstract
This paper presents the development of a stand for researching an energy-efficient pneumatic position drive based on a rodless pneumatic cylinder. Also, examples of specific experiments that can be carried out on this equipment are illustrated. The creation of an energy-efficient positional pneumatic drive is relevant due to the wide range of industrial tasks where pneumatic systems are used. Within the framework of this research, the main attention is paid to the development and testing of a real experimental stand, which allows evaluating the characteristics of the positional drive and simplifying its further integration into various technical systems. The research methodology is based on a comprehensive description of the developed stand for testing a pneumatic position drive based on a rodless pneumatic cylinder. The methodology presents a pneumatic diagram of the stand, as well as a structural diagram reflecting the interaction of pneumatic elements with electronic components of the control system, including the ESP32 controller, distribution valves and a laser displacement sensor. Additionally, the procedures for conducting experiments are formulated: sensor calibration, static position measurements, dynamic transients and tests under load. The methods of data recording and the principles of their processing using Python software are described. Such a methodological basis ensures the reproducibility of experiments and the correctness of further analysis of the results. The result of the work is a functional experimental stand for studying a positional pneumatic actuator based on a rodless pneumatic cylinder. The stand provides reproducible conditions for conducting static and dynamic tests, including high-resolution displacement measurements, transient analysis, and positioning accuracy assessment under different air supply conditions. The experimental data obtained confirm the possibility of achieving intermediate positions by adjusting the pressure and time parameters of the distribution valves. The developed system can be used for testing control algorithms, tuning actuators of different sizes, and preliminary assessment of the characteristics of pneumatic systems without the need for expensive industrial equipment.
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