Multi-level control of hydraulic gerotor motors and pumps

Multi-level control is a novel method introduced for the control of hydraulic motors and pumps. The method is applicable when two-position, electronically controlled valves are connected to each chamber of a gerotor motor or pump. For motors, the multi-level control can directly regulate the torque, similar to torque regulation of a DC electric motor through current control. For pumps, multi-level control can directly regulate the volume flow rate. Multi-level control permits the regulation of hydraulic motors and pumps without the energy loss associated with a flow control valve, or the mechanical complexity associated with a variable displacement device. Regulation is achieved by using computer control to exploit the complete set of valve combinations, creating torque or flow patterns that are not possible with mechanically actuated values