Abstract
Since pneumatic systems are widely used in various branches of industry, the need to find ways to reduce energy consumption in these systems has become very pressing. The reduction in energy consumption in these systems is reflected in the reduction of compressed air consumption. The paper presents a cylinder control system with a piston rod on one side, in which the reduction in energy consumption is ensured by using different levels of supply pressure in the working and the return stroke, and by holding the cylinder piston rod in its final positions with a clamping cartridge. Clamping and holding the piston rod in its final position further affects the reduction in energy consumption. Experimental data show that the application of the proposed control leads to a decrease in compressed air consumption of 25.54% to 32.97%, depending on the compressed air pressure used in the return stroke. The cost-effectiveness of the proposed cylinder control with different levels of compressed air pressure and holding the final position by clamping cartridge is presented.