Improving the efficiency of the hydraulic winch by means of a hydropneumatic accumulator

Ovaj rad proučava hidrauličko vitlo zglobnog šumskog traktora tzv. skidera s fokusom na poboljšanja u radnoj učinkovitosti kroz uvođenje hidropneumatskog, odnosno hidrauličkog akumulatora. Nakon uvodnog opisa skidera i specifičnosti hidrauličkog vitla, rad analizira ključne aspekte rada vitla. Prikazana je važnost mjernih uređaja u prikupljanju podataka o vitlu. Zatim je provedena analiza terenskih podataka korištenjem modificiranog modela pogona kod kojeg se koristi motor s unutarnjim izgaranjem. Predložena modifikacija hidrauličkog sustava uključuje integraciju hidrauličkog akumulatora kao sredstva za pohranu energije. Objašnjen je princip rada akumulatora, ističući njegovu ulogu u povećanju energetske učinkovitosti vitla. Potreban volumen hidrauličkog akumulatora određen je pomoću računalnog modela, a rezultati simulacija pružaju uvid u rad vitla i daju učinke uvođenja hidrauličkog akumulatora u sustav. Rad kombinira teorijski pristup, eksperimentalna mjerenja i simulacije pomoću programskog paketa MATLAB Simulink.This paper investigates the hydraulic winch of an articulated forestry tractor, commonly known as a skidder, with a focus on improving operational performance through the integration of a hydropneumatic, or hydraulic accumulator. Following an introductory description of the skidder and the specifics of the hydraulic winch, the study analyzes key aspects of winch operation. The importance of measurement devices in collecting winch data is emphasized. Subsequently, field data analysis is conducted using a modified drive model that employs an internal combustion engine. The proposed modification of the hydraulic system includes the integration of a hydraulic accumulator as an energy storage device. The operational principle of the accumulator is explained, highlighting its role in enhancing the energy efficiency of the winch. The required volume of the hydraulic accumulator is determined using a computer model and simulation results provide insights into the winch’s operation and the effects of introducing the hydraulic accumulator into the system. The paper combines a theoretical approach, experimental measurements and simulations, using the MATLAB Simulink software package