Electric actuators are nothing new, but their positive impact on the environment can be easily overlooked. While many individuals and companies are still opting for hydraulic or pneumatic systems, electric systems can do the same job with more green benefits. Using electric actuators can not only cut down on harmful environmental effects, they take less energy to operate and cut down on running costs.
From hydraulics to electric
Choosing a hydraulic actuator system can come with a set of benefits, but their cost is the environmental setback they produce. Each hydraulic system requires oil to function and when that oil needs to be changed it has to go somewhere. It may not seem like a problem on such a small scale, but the issues start to crop up when hydraulic systems are used by thousands of people or companies the world over.
Electric actuator systems, on the other hand, just don’t produce the same kind of waste oil. They require a small amount of lubrication for the motor, which is very different from hydraulic oil, but one application can last its entire lifetime. There are more environmentally friendly types of lubrication out there for those who wish to reduce their footprint even more.
Along with the problems that oil waste produces, improper disposal can lead to the wrath of Environment Canada, and spills or leaks can lead to unexpected cleanup costs. Electric technology skirts all of these problems.
Hydraulic systems have often been the go-to product for the construction industry. The biggest argument for hydraulic actuators is the amount of sheer weight they can push and pull. Alternatively, electric actuators have quickly caught up to the force capabilities of electric actuators, and can perform as good, if not better, than hydraulic systems or pneumatic systems.
Comparing pneumatics
Pneumatic systems often seem like the best choice for actuators because of their low cost. The actuators themselves are usually the most cost-effective option, but systems require peripheral components, and that could mean more investment than was initially planned.
When taking a look at how efficient a pneumatic system is to an electric one, the electric systems can be up to 80% more efficient than pneumatics. This comes down to the sheer simplicity of an electric system.
Simple, efficient systems
Electric actuator systems are most efficient systems for an automation operation. Hydraulic systems are often comprised of complex components each requiring its own draw of energy. The sample system is a very simple setup. These can get quite complex. Pneumatic systems often work the same, requiring high numbers of parts to function.
Electric actuation systems implicitly require only a small number of parts: the actuator, the controller and the power source. Any additional parts required such as speed control or feedback can be integrated with the system and increase the power draw only nominally.
At one time, electric actuators may not have been a viable replacement for hydraulics or pneumatics. Today, electric actuator technology has advanced enough to bring the same kind of repeatability, reliability, precision and power as other options.
Matthew Edwards is a writer for Progressive Automations, a North American linear actuator manufacturer.
