Comparison of hydraulics, Pneumatic and Electrical System

Hydraulics Power to Weight ratio

High

Pneumatic
Low No Yes High

Electrical
Medium Yes Yes (HTLS
elect Motor)

Possibility to generate high forces Yes and amplification Stall load/torque variation of pressure with temp. precise position control Fire and safety hazard Power Storage of energy Cleanliness of operation area System size (for same power) Noise
Yes Less
Yes (due to high bulk modulus High
(if leakage)

NA

No Less Low Yes

(air receivers)

Yes
High
(electrocution)

High Yes
(by accumulator)

Medium
(by Battery Bank)

Yes Yes

No
fluid)

Yes

Less (due to flowing Large Low

Higher

Large High
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Comparison of hydraulics, Pneumatic and Electrical System

Hydraulics Pneumatic Electrical Yes (by
changing flow & Pressure)

Speed and force/torque change of actuators Heat dissipation Environmental side effects Application in hazardous environments Delay in actuators response Requirement of return line Confinement Application in food industries

Yes (by changing

flow & Pressure)

Yes (by changing

current/voltage/frequen cy)

High
coolant)

(fluid as

High (expansion Low

leads to cooling)

Yes (Contamination
to atmosphere )

No (environmental
contamination)

Yes (Generation of EM
fields around conductors, toxic gases, ozone)

Possible (where spark is prohibited) Lowest

Possible

Not possible

Highest

Yes Required Undesired

No Required Favourable

Yes Insulation required Favourable

258