Measuring instruments used at the research and accuracy of defining the efficiency of drive systems

The aim of the article is to look at the possibility of accurately determining the energy efficiency of drive systems thanks to the use of high quality sensors and measuring instruments. The types of measuring instruments used on the test stand are presented. The results of experimentally determined efficiencies and simulationally determined efficiencies of two hydrostatic systems with throttling control were compared, which are fed with a constant capacity pump. The choice of the analysed systems is not accidental. There is still a view in the literature about limited possibilities of energy systems with proportional control. The research stand was very carefully designed and made. The applied measuring instruments were characterized by high accuracy of measurements. The issues related to the determination of energy losses and energy efficiency of the engine or drive system, which should be determined as dependent on the physical quantities independent of these losses, were also discussed. For laboratory verification, measurement methods were developed, the test stand was adapted and automated. It consists of tested system and loaded system. The measurements during the tests were saved on the computer disk. In order to be able to compare the efficiency of the overall system with the efficiency obtained on the basis of the simulation, coefficients ki determining the energy losses of individual elements of the system were calculated. The research showed a large convergence of the mathematical description of energy losses in the elements of the system and the efficiency of the system with reality. The mathematical model enables accurate simulation determination of the energy efficiency of the system at each point of its field of operation, i.e. at each speed and load of the controlled hydraulic motor. The range of motor speed and load variation can also be accurately determined simulationally.