Industry 4.0: Digital Hydraulic System Control

In most hydraulically powered systems, the speed and/or force of a load are controlled using valves to throttle the flow and thus reduce the hydraulic pressure. This is a simple but extremely inefficient method as the excess energy is lost as heat, and it is common for more than 50% of the input power to be wasted in this way. Digital hydraulics, which means hydraulic systems having discrete valued components actively controlling system output, can potentially have higher efficiency and less energy loss. This project will investigate the fundamental of digital hydraulics and their feasibility via analytical modelling and experimental validation.

Candidates with experience/interest in fluid power systems, control engineering, noise and vibration and signal processing are very welcome to apply. The University of Bath will provide a wide range of training courses and career support for PhD students.

Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, a Master’s degree in one of the following areas: mechanical engineering, control engineering, electrical engineering or similar related disciplines.