Development of Miniature Compressed Air Storage System Using Solenoid Valves for Dynamic Pneumatic Actuator

Abstract

Currently, there are many research that involved pneumatic device on vehicles. There are some applications using compressed air storage system to produce vehicle power. However, there are several constraints in producing compressed air for outdoor purpose, since most of the compressors are in large size which will cause limited working space. Also, most of the compressors are not portable and hand-carrying size. This paper objective is to investigate the parameters of a miniature air compressor during the reciprocation process and to analyze the compressed air pressure of piston type double-acting cylinder for the miniature air compressor. The piston rod is connected to connecting rod for mechanical movement, which the movement of the rod will convert kinetic energy to the piston and generate compressed air inside the storage tank. The system design allows the air into the tank to increase via reciprocating cylinder. Number of strokes produced is investigated. Subsequently, pressurized air inside the tank can be used to generate kinetic power to the pneumatic actuator. The force generated from the mechanism is then measured. Synchronization of 5/3 Ways Directional Control Valves (DCV) is the key of the system to ensure the flow of compressed air wellkept in the storage tank. The pressurized air inside the tank transfers the power into kinetic movement via reciprocating piston and able to generate 200kPa of compressed air.