Electric Vs Hydraulic Actuators

Electric rod actuators vs.
hydraulic
cylinders: A comparison of the pros and
cons of each technology
Hydraulic cylinders, known for their high force at an affordable cost, have
been widely used in factory automation equipment and other special
automation equipment for decades. Hydraulics are rugged, relatively simple
to deploy and provide a low cost per unit of force. In recent years, electric
rod actuator (cylinders) have become more flexible, precise and reliable
with increasingly larger force capacities. These advancements in electric
rod actuators have created an ongoing debate over which technology—
hydraulic cylinder or electric actuator—offers the best overall solution for
the same application. This paper will consider a variety of factors affecting
the performance and cost of each technology, including: motion control
capabilities; system components and footprint; force capabilities; speed
capabilities; temperature; life and maintenance of devices; data collection;
efficiency/utility costs; leaks and environmental concerns; as well as a few
additional factors.
Motion control capabilities

The main reason engineers select an electric actuator system over a hydraulic
cylinder system is the flexibility of its motion control capabilities: position
control (multiple positions, accuracy); velocity control; control of acceleration/
deceleration; control of output force; and complex control of all these
motion variables on the fly. Electric actuators, coupled with a servo drive and
motor system, have infinite control over position; accuracy and repeatability
levels are far beyond the capabilities of a hydraulic system.
Standard hydraulics are great for end-to-end position applications, but

mid-stroke positioning is more complicated, requiring a control valve and
operator assistance. Mid-stroke positioning is open loop and requires an
Tolomatic is a leading supplier of operator to decide which position is acceptable. Additionally, speed control
electric linear actuators. Tolomatic’s
is monitored through a control valve and again requires an operator to dial
60+ years of expertise covers a
wide range of industries and linear in the acceptable speed for an application, but reaching an exact speed
motion applications. setting is often difficult to achieve. Once the speed setting is adjusted,
the pressure force output required from a hydraulic cylinder is regulated
Copyright © 2020 Tolomatic, Inc. Electric Rod Actuators vs. Hydraulic Cylinders: A comparison of the pros and cons of each technology
www.tolomatic.com 763-478-8000 9900-4412_03 Page 1
through the pressure valve. Again, this typically requires an operator to dial
in the desired force. Finally, the repeatability of position, speed and force
of a hydraulic cylinder are subject to worn seals, leaks, pressure drops and
Standard hydraulic systems spikes from the pump and other maintenance factors. It is difficult to get
require constant operator repeatable performance from day-to-day, month-to-month or year-to-year
intervention in order in a production environment when oil quality and viscosity change due to
to achieve the desired temperature variations. Obtaining the desired performance level will require
performance level. constant operator intervention.
More advanced hydraulic systems, called “servo-hydraulic,” can

precisely control position, velocity and force, but they require additional
components—a servo controller, an electrohydraulic servo valve, and a
position feedback device such as a linear transducer—which adds significant
complexity, space and cost to a hydraulic system. These components
control the pressure and flow into the hydraulic cylinder, similar to how
a servo drive controls current to a servo motor. Hydraulics also have even
more advanced controllers, which allow multiple axes to be coordinated
together. However, this is rare in hydraulics system implementation, and
Servo-hydraulic systems can
these controllers add extreme complexity and cost to the overall system. In
addition, they can be quite sensitive and need regimented maintenance to
precisely control position,
ensure desired performance.
velocity and force, but
they require additional
components and are quite MOTION CONTROL COMPARISONS
Very High
complex and costly.
CONTROL CAPABILITIES
High
Medium
Low
Position Velocity Accel/Decel Force

CONTROL VARIABLES
ELECTRIC SERVO HYDRAULIC HYDRAULIC
Figure 1: Control over all aspects of motion can be extremely important in critical
applications where precise position, speed and force come into play. This chart
shows the control capabilities of the three technologies.
When combined with a servo control system, electric actuators offer more
than infinite control and superior accuracy and repeatability. Multiple-axis
servo controllers are readily available off-the-shelf on most modern control
systems today. Controllers and electric actuators can be easily and cost
effectively coordinated together in complex configurations. Velocity of one
or multiple electric actuators is precisely and accurately controlled at all
times and can easily blend from one speed to another without stopping
or overrunning position. Acceleration and deceleration control means that
Electric servo systems electric actuators will not “bang” into hard-stops or jolt into action. This
provide infinite control, eliminates stress on frame elements and the need to over-engineer structures
superior accuracy and to withstand shock loads. All movements will be smooth—allowing electric
actuators to be used in mission-critical processes where machine vibrations
repeatability and, once
are not acceptable or process speed is affected. Force is controlled through
programmed, require
current to the servo motor. Since servo controllers have precise control over
little intervention or current, almost all electric actuators provide accurate and repeatable control
maintenance. of force output at the work point.
POSITION
#3
DWELL
Position
#2
#4
DWELL
#1
Time
VELOCITY
Velocity
SPEED 1
SPEED 3
SPEED 2
Time
ACCEL / DECEL
Accel/Decl
ACCEL 1 ACCEL 2
An important feature
Time
of electric actuators is DECEL 3
DECEL 2
their ability to provide DECEL 1
programmable control of Figure 2: This chart shows different motion profile positions at different velocities
with different accel/decel rates, all under full and precise control.
all profile variables.
Finally, an important feature of electric actuators is their ability to provide
programmable control of all the motion profile variables. As a result, the only
operator interaction required is the up-front design time to build desired
performance variables into a PLC or another controller’s programming
environment. Once set, the operation repeats from day-to-day, month- to-
month and year-to-year. Furthermore, with the use of HMI (Human Machine
Interface) screens, the variables of position, velocity, acceleration/deceleration
and force can be easily changed at any time, providing maximum flexibility.
In an OEM environment, system performance will be easier to control due to
the increased consistency of an electric vs. a fluid system.
System
Heat
Exchanger
components
Manual and footprint
Control Override
The number of The number of
Pump
Valves
components and overall components and overall
space required for a space required for a
Power
hydraulic system is much Unit hydraulic system is much
greater than an electric Flow greater than an electric
Control Valve system. Hydraulic systems
system.
Suction require: a cylinder; a
Screens/
Filters power unit to provide
Shut Off
Valve oil pressure; control and
accessory valves; filters;
Pressure
Gauge hoses; fittings; and
Accumulator
additional components.
Oil Tank
Heater Hydraulic cylinders offer a
compact footprint at the
work point (where the
Figure 3: Hydraulic system components power density is required),
but the hydraulic power
unit (HPU) which regulates flow and pressure to these actuators and other
components, can require a large footprint in floor space. HPUs are not small
and typically are placed near the actual cylinder itself, further increasing
the system footprint. In very large systems with remote mounted HPUs,
long lengths of hose can decrease the overall rigidity and efficiency of the
hydraulic system.
Control Cabinet
Motor (Optional Gearbox)
Motor Cables
Electric rod actuators Drive
provide a smaller overall Mechanical Actuator
footprint.
Figure 4: Electric system components
Electric rod actuators provide a smaller overall footprint. These systems

utilize a mechanical actuator; a motor (servo, or other); an optional gearbox;
cables; and a drive/amplifier, which is usually mounted in a control cabinet.
Although the electric actuator—due to its design of integrating a power
screw and bearing system—does require additional length over a hydraulic
cylinder, when considering the overall system footprint, this additional
Size requirements for a length is more than compensated for by the much smaller footprint of the
servo drive are normally
servo drive—the functional equivalent of the HPU. Typically, automation
equipment utilizes a control cabinet and can be designed for an additional
a fraction of the size
drive. Size requirements for a servo drive are normally a fraction of the size
requirements of a HPU.
requirements of a HPU.
In new system designs, if the additional space at the work point can be made
to accommodate the electric actuator’s working stroke and overall length,
the overall footprint of the machine can be greatly decreased by eliminating
the need for large power units.
Force capabilities
Due to their high operating pressures, hydraulic cylinder systems are great at
producing extremely high forces. Typical pressures range from 1800 to 3000
psi (124.1 to 206.8 bar). In some high-pressure hydraulic systems, pressure
ratings up to 5000 psi (344.7 bar) are used to further emphasize power
density. Since hydraulic cylinders operate on the Force = Pressure x Area fluid
power principle, the high pressures allow smaller cylinders to reach very large
forces. For example, 3-inch and 5-inch bore cylinders at 2200 psi could achieve
approximately 15,000 lbf (66,723.3 kN) and 43,000 lbf (191,273.5 kN),
respectively. However, hydraulic cylinders are not usually used to their full
output force capability; they are typically oversized to improve control.
When considering electric actuators, it is important to determine the working

force required. To estimate the approximate force required for an electric
actuator, the typical approach is to adjust the hydraulic work port or system
pressure until the operation can no longer be performed. Electric actuator
Achieving the extreme
systems rely on current through the servo motor to produce torque to the
forces that hydraulics can mechanical system, which drives the power screw to turn and generate force.
produce is entirely possible This is a huge advantage; force is instantaneous. In hydraulic systems, where
with electric technology, system rigidity is not optimized, the hydraulic actuator must wait for pressure
but typically, the electric to build until force is achieved. Another big advantage with electric systems
actuator deployed will is that the servo controller automatically regulates the current. The electric
have a larger body actuator system essentially uses current “on demand.” Any adjustment
diameter and the electric
happens automatically. A hydraulic power unit must always keep pressure in
the system for the hydraulic cylinder to actuate, which can be highly difficult.
actuator system will have
a velocity maximum that
When selecting an electric actuator system, it is important to consider
can’t be exceeded. the motor’s RPM and torque capabilities, coupled with the screw lead in
the electric actuator. Matching speed and torque from the servo motor
with the lead screw’s mechanical output can be complex. Achieving the
extreme forces that hydraulics can produce is entirely possible with electric
technology, but typically, the electric actuator deployed will have a larger
body diameter and the electric actuator system will have a velocity maximum
that can’t be exceeded. The complexity in sizing a system can easily be
overcome as actuator and servo component manufacturers provide easy-to-
use motion control sizing software packages that factor in all these variables.
Velocity capabilities
Achieving high velocities at high forces presents challenges for both hydraulic
An electric actuator system and electric technologies. Hydraulics require pressure for force and flow for
has complete control over speed. To achieve higher speeds at higher forces, there must be enough
the motion profile and can pressurized oil in the system to basically push the required volume of oil into
a cylinder in the required amount of time (defined as flow). This typically
settle quicker for reduced
requires an accumulation system to hold the pressurized volume. The
cycle time and increased
problem can multiply with long stroke cylinders; uncharged accumulators
efficiency. may starve the system of oil. In the end, deploying additional capacity in
hydraulic accumulator systems allows them to achieve high speeds at high
forces. The downside of this practice is that without servo-hydraulic control
on the hydraulic system, excess energy (force x velocity) is essentially being
utilized in an open loop control scheme.
As stated earlier, the force capabilities of an electric actuator system depend

on the right combination of servo motor RPM, servo motor torque and
mechanical advantage from screw lead and possibly a gearbox. As servo
motors increase in size, torque typically increases significantly but RPMs
decrease. In extreme applications of force and speed, the only way an electric
actuator system may be able to achieve the desired performance is to grossly
oversize the system—which can be cost prohibitive. Alternately, remember
that an electric actuator system has complete control over the motion profile;
it doesn’t have to stroke the entire length of each cycle. Plus, with control
of acceleration and deceleration, the electric system can settle more quickly,
which reduces cycle time and increases efficiency. Finally, electric actuator
technology may alleviate some of the peak velocities required as more
A major problem for intelligent, shorter moves can be executed.
hydraulic systems is heat
management. Temperature (hot and cold)
Heat
A major problem for hydraulic systems is heat management. The inefficiencies
of hydraulic systems cause overheating. Hydraulic fluid temperatures above
180°F (82°C) damage most seal compounds and accelerate degradation of the
oil. Circuit design can play a big part in generating heat. Hoses, fittings and
other components can be a factor if they are inaccurately sized for the flow
requirements. Sophisticated load-sensing systems can mitigate most heat issues,
but can be costly. Heat exchangers are an economical way to manage this
without significantly over sizing your reservoir and ultimately your HPU footprint.
HEAT RESISTANCE
High
Medium
Low
Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic
Figure 5: Compared to hydraulics, electric systems are better at managing heat

resistance.
There are two ways to solve overheating problems in hydraulic systems:

decrease heat load or increase heat dissipation. Hydraulic systems dissipate
heat through the reservoir, by having the correct level of oil or use of a heat
exchanger. Keeping a hydraulic system in proper form to manage heat will
Electric actuators can require constant attention and maintenance.
overheat at times but the
cause is usually due to Electric actuators can overheat at times, but the cause is usually due to
extreme changes in duty extreme changes in duty cycle or running the actuator harder than it was
designed or sized for. Extreme changes in the ambient temperature not
cycle or exceeding its
accounted for in the design may also cause overheating, but these conditions
design specifications.
are exceptions and typically would not occur in most factory automation
environments. Due to their higher efficiency and sizing accuracy, electric
actuator systems can be selected to run at a desired temperature for the
given amount of work required. Accurately predicting temperature allows
the electric actuator system to perform consistently without affecting the life
of the device.
Cold
Cold temperatures present other problems for hydraulic systems. Cold oil
Cold oil in hydraulic causes sluggish and inconsistent operation until the oil is warm—which in
systems causes sluggish turn causes large swings in force and speed. Hot to cold temperature swings
and inconsistent can also affect the integrity of the rod seal—a critical component that helps
to prevent leaks and contamination. Oil tank heaters can manage start-up
operation which can
temperatures, but they are an extra component and expense.
affect force and speed.
Electric actuators, on the other hand, can be deployed with extreme
temperature grease which allows for quick, effective starts in cold
temperatures. There is usually a small performance difference in force
repeatability from a cold to a warm temperature. This difference is
acceptable in most applications.
COLD RESISTANCE
High
Medium
Low
Figure 6: Electric systems are not susceptible to fluid thickening in cold tempera-
tures and perform consistently despite fluctuations in temperature swings.
Service life and maintenance

Hydraulics require
Hydraulics are rugged, widely used devices that can have a long service life.
frequent maintenance and The trade-off is that they require frequent maintenance and attention to
attention to achieve the achieve the desired performance over the life of the system. Maintaining the
desired performance over integrity of the rod and piston seals is key to repeatability because these are
the life of the system. the main elements that contain the pressure required for motion and force. If
these components wear or are damaged, they must be replaced. Otherwise,
force will be reduced at initial pressure or “blow by” will affect speed.
Changing oil filters and oil on a periodic basis are additional maintenance
tasks. Contaminated or degraded oil can also severely affect the operation of
the system. Neglecting maintenance items will lead to leaks or contamination
and premature failure of components.
MAINTENANCE
High
Medium
Low

Electric actuators sized for
the life of an application Figure 7: Electric systems require little or no maintenance compared to
hydraulic systems.
require no maintenance.
On the other hand, electric actuators sized for the life of an application
require no maintenance. The main power elements of an electric actuator
are the power screw and other thrust-bearing elements. These elements
have a Dynamic Load Rating (DLR) specification that can be utilized to
estimate the amount of work (force over distance) an electric actuator can
achieve. Utilizing an industry standard L10 life estimation (see our guide
on estimating actuator life), electric actuators can be estimated with 90%
reliability to last in an application. These power elements are typically greased
for life, but easy, in-field greasing methods can be applied if necessary. The
other wear element on an electric rod-style actuator is the rod seal, designed
to hold out water, dust and other environment contamination from the
actuator’s internal components. Unlike hydraulic cylinder seals, there is no
pressure to hold in the actuator for proper operation. Even if the seal fails,
the actuator will continue to operate. Rod seals on most electric actuators
are easily and inexpensively replaced if damage occurs. Misuse is the primary
reason that electric actuators fail. Exceeding the actuator’s performance
specifications for extended periods of time or gross neglect are the most
common misuse factors.
Data collection
Hydraulic cylinders require
expensive, complex servo-
In the never-ending quest to improve manufacturing processes, data
collection in critical areas is becoming more and more prevalent in today’s
hydraulic systems with
manufacturing environment. Again, hydraulic cylinders require expensive,
additional sensors to track complex servo-hydraulic systems with additional sensors to track and monitor
and monitor position, position, velocity, force and other factors happening at the work point. These
velocity, force and other factors are all built into an electric actuator’s servo system. Monitoring
factors happening at the the motor current makes it easy to track force and repeatability. The
work point. feedback device on the motor registers accurate position and velocity.
DATA COLLECTION
High
Medium
Low
Figure 8: Electric systems provide the most data collection capabilities over servo
hydraulic and conventional hydraulic systems.
Efficiency and electric utility costs

Electric actuator systems typically operate in the 75-80% efficiency range
for the work they complete; hydraulic actuator systems typically operate in
the 40-55% efficiency range. An additional factor in the electric utility cost
equation is that electric actuators only demand current to the motor when
Electric actuator systems it is required. When electric actuators are at rest, they require no current or
typically operate in very low amounts of current to hold their positions. Hydraulics require that
the 75-80% efficiency the power unit keep the hydraulic system pressurized at all times when the
range for the work they system is turned on—resulting in inefficient use of power.
complete; hydraulic
actuator systems typically OPERATION EFFICIENCY
operate in the 40-55% High
efficiency range.
Medium
Low
Figure 9: Compared to servo hydraulic and conventional hydraulic systems, electric

systems operated far more efficiently.
Below are three application examples that show the power usage of electric
and hydraulic actuator systems.
Electric vs. Hydraulic Power Costs

1 POWER-OUT (kW)  = Velocity (m/sec) x Force (N) ÷ 1,000 (converted to kN)
2 POWER-IN (kW)  = Power-Out (kW) ÷ Efficiency (%)
3 COST OF APPLICATION $ = (Power-In) x (Hours/year) x (Electricity Cost)
Energy Cost: 2 kW Energy Cost: 10 kW Energy Cost: 20 kW

$3,000 $14,000 $30,000
$2,500 $12,000
LIC
$25,000
AU
C
C
LI
LI
R AU
AU
YD
$2,000 $10,000 $20,000
ENERGY COST ($)
ENERGY COST ($)
ENERGY COST ($)
DR
H
DR
HY
HY
$1,500
Cost Savings: T RIC $8,000
Cost Savings: IC
$15,000
Cost Savings: TR
IC
EC TR EC
$572 EL $2858 EC $5717 EL
$1,000 $6,000 EL $10,000
$500 $2,000 $5,000
$0 $0 $0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
DUTY CYCLE (%) DUTY CYCLE (%) DUTY CYCLE (%)
3 IN (80MM) BORE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER 4 IN (100MM) BORE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER 6 IN (160MM) BORE HYDRAULIC CYLINDER
• POWER OUT: 2 kw • POWER OUT: 10 kW • POWER OUT: 20 kw
• SPEED: 1.8 in/sec (45 mm/sec) • SPEED: 2.9 in/sec (75 mm/sec) • SPEED: 3.5 in.sec (90 mm/sec)
• FORCE: 10,000 lbf (44.5 kN) • FORCE: 30,000 lbf (133.5 kN) • FORCE: 50,000 lbf (222.5 kN)
ASSUMPTIONS: Annual Power Consumption; Electric Efficiency 80%; Hydraulic Efficiency 45%; 2000 PSI; Cost kW/hr $0.07
BLUE ARROWS DESIGNATE COST SAVINGS SHOWN AT 50% DUTY CYCLE
Figure 10: The above charts show the difference in electric utility costs for a hy-
draulic and an electric cylinder. The blue arrow depicts cylinder operation at 50%
duty cycle and the resulting estimated utility costs.
By dividing the efficiencies of the two technologies into one another, an
approximate factor can be determined on electric utility cost based on when
the actuators/cylinders are actually moving.
By dividing the efficiencies
of the two technologies For example: 80% (electric) / 40% (hydraulic) = 2. This results in electric
into one another, an being twice as efficient or hydraulic taking twice as much power to do the
approximate factor can same work. This is an approximation, but it is not far from reality. In fact,
be determined on electric unless a hydraulic system is properly maintained, the overall efficiencies of
utility cost based on when the system can go to levels of 20% making electric technology up to 4 times
the actuators/cylinders are as efficient (or hydraulic utility costs up to 4 times higher).
actually moving.
Although electric actuator systems are twice as efficient as hydraulic systems,
an electric servo solution can be more expensive to implement initially. But
the cost over the life of the system can be substantially less when considering
the increased performance, system flexibility and decrease in utility costs.
Leaks and environmental concerns

Many hydraulic industry professionals have said, “It is not a matter of IF
hydraulics will leak, but a matter of when and by how much.” Leaks create
messes in the manufacturing environment and also present a safety hazard
if someone slips on the spill. More alarming is leaks could cause serious
contamination to key processes and products—such as food processing,
pharmaceuticals, medical device and others. A contamination event can
be costly both in terms of clean-up and scrapped product—and even more
costly if the contaminated product reaches consumers and is then recalled.
Additionally, many hydraulic systems are deployed outdoors and in the
vicinity of living spaces and fresh water. Leaking oil into the surrounding
environment can be a major concern for communities.
A contamination event
ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS
can be costly both in
High
terms of clean-up and
scrapped product—and
even more costly if the
Medium
contaminated product
reaches consumers and is
then recalled.
Low
Figure 11: Unlike hydraulic systems, electric systems present minimal

environmental risk. The grease on the lead screw of an electric actuator is the only
potential contaminant. However, high-quality actuator seals on the actuator rod
virtually prevent contamination.
Electric actuator technology is one of the cleanest linear motion technologies
that can be actively and easily deployed. Grease on the lead screw is the only
potential contaminant; special greases (food grade, clean room, etc.) can
be applied if required. The high-quality seals used on the rod of the electric
actuator keep grease inside the actuator, virtually eliminating contamination
issues.
Other factors
Noise: A noisy power unit running a hydraulic cylinder can be a noise
polluter for any operator near the machine.
Shock loads: Hydraulics are good at handling shock loads. Hose

compliance (unless hard plumbed) and oil bypassing along the main or work
Hydraulics are good at
port relief valve absorb shock loads. In addition, internal leakage within the
handling shock loads.
cylinder and valves can also offer compliance with shock load conditions. A
Electric actuators may large shock load in-line with the rod would be absorbed in most cases by the
have to be oversized piston against the compressed oil in the body of the hydraulic actuator. On
or use external shock- the other hand, shock loads on an electric actuator’s lead screw or bearing
absorbing mechanisms to system may affect performance. Electric actuators may have to be oversized
prevent damage. in order to handle shock loads or use external shock absorbing mechanisms
to prevent damage.
Side loads: Side loading—due to misalignment or pressure from a moment

arm—places stress on the rod and piston seals of a hydraulic cylinder. The
seals may wear prematurely or fail completely, resulting in poor performance
and eventually premature failure of the cylinder. Electric actuators don’t
like side loading either, but for different reasons. Side loading puts stress
on the actuator’s front rod seal and on the
nut of the lead screw. The rod seal may fail,
Neither hydraulic cylinders allowing contaminants into the actuator
or electric actuators and causing premature failure of the electric
are well suited for side
actuator. Side loading the lead screw nut can
diminish the estimated life of the ball or roller
loading.
screw. However, unlike hydraulic actuators,
electric actuators typically deploy an anti-
Figure 12: Side loading of rod rotate mechanism on the lead screw nut of the
actuators is not recommended actuator, which allows it to absorb some side-
because it places stress on
internal actuator components. loading due to mounting misalignment. Finally,
both hydraulic and electric cylinders require care
and consideration when mounting to make sure the cylinder is in alignment
with the system it is intended to move. (See our white paper on actuator
alignment for more information.)
Summary
Hydraulic actuators have an industry reputation for delivering high force.
Hydraulic systems are usually less expensive from a purchased cost
standpoint to implement than an electric servo system. Their drawbacks
include a larger space footprint, regular maintenance and manual system
adjustments for optimal system performance. Hydraulic systems are
Electric systems offer susceptible to fluctuations in temperature, prone to leaks and operate in
smaller space requirements an open loop environment, posing challenges for data collection. Although
servo-hydraulics can be implemented to alleviate some of these issues, they
and provide precise
result in a larger space footprint and are very costly to employ. Hydraulics
position, velocity and
do offer a long service life, but they are not as efficient operators as electric
speed control with more systems.
efficient operation.
Electric systems offer smaller overall space requirements than hydraulic
systems. They also provide precise position, velocity and speed control with
more efficient operation. They operate in a closed loop environment for easy
data collection, and they are virtually maintenance free. Preferred for their
higher level of accurate performance, electric servo systems can be more
costly than hydraulic to initially implement. However, the increased efficiency
of operation with little or no maintenance over the life of the system makes
their total cost of ownership lower over the life of the equipment and an
attractive alternative to hydraulics.
As electric rod-style actuators become capable of achieving high-end

hydraulic forces, they will continue to be viable candidates for replacing
hydraulic systems in many applications. Evaluating capabilities and limitations
discussed in this paper and aligning them with system goals and objectives
will help determine the best choice for the application.

Electric Vs Hydraulic Actuators

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electric Vs Hydraulic Actuators

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electric Vs Hydraulic Actuators

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Electric rod actuators vs.

Motion control capabilities

Standard hydraulics are great for end-to-end position applications, but

More advanced hydraulic systems, called “servo-hydraulic,” can

Position Velocity Accel/Decel Force

ELECTRIC SERVO HYDRAULIC HYDRAULIC

Electric rod actuators Drive

provide a smaller overall Mechanical Actuator

Electric rod actuators provide a smaller overall footprint. These systems

When considering electric actuators, it is important to determine the working

As stated earlier, the force capabilities of an electric actuator system depend

Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic

Figure 5: Compared to hydraulics, electric systems are better at managing heat

There are two ways to solve overheating problems in hydraulic systems:

Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic

Service life and maintenance

Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic

Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic

Efficiency and electric utility costs

Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic

Figure 9: Compared to servo hydraulic and conventional hydraulic systems, electric

Electric vs. Hydraulic Power Costs

Energy Cost: 2 kW Energy Cost: 10 kW Energy Cost: 20 kW

ENERGY COST ($)

ENERGY COST ($)

$500 $2,000 $5,000

Leaks and environmental concerns

Electric Servo Hydraulic Hydraulic

Figure 11: Unlike hydraulic systems, electric systems present minimal

Shock loads: Hydraulics are good at handling shock loads. Hose

Side loads: Side loading—due to misalignment or pressure from a moment

As electric rod-style actuators become capable of achieving high-end

You might also like