Overview
ISO/TR 22164:2020 provides application notes to help designers and engineers conceive hydraulic systems that operate with increased energy efficiency while maintaining the intended functionality of the machine. The technical report emphasizes matching machine requirements, duty cycles and safety constraints to energy-efficiency measures. It targets machine builders, system designers and maintenance teams seeking practical, application-focused guidance for hydraulic fluid power systems.
Key Topics
The document groups measures into general and subsystem-focused recommendations. Key topics include:
- Principal design considerations
- Understand machine specifications, functionality and duty cycle before selecting solutions.
- Use assessment matrices and simulation software to compare architectures and predict energy consumption over load cycles.
- Build awareness and competence among staff on energy-efficiency practices.
- Actuator-related measures
- Match actuator choice and system pressure to application duty cycles.
- Consider pressure-controlled drives or pressure intensifiers where appropriate.
- Apply hydraulic load compensation (counterbalance) where it reduces net power demand.
- Hydraulic power supply
- Select pumps and pump-control arrangements that fit the duty profile (fixed vs variable displacement, pump combinations).
- Choose prime movers and control strategies for on-demand power provision and efficient operating ranges.
- Use accumulators to bridge peak-flow demands and reduce persistent excess flow.
- Optimize cooling and consider on/off implications for drive system cooling energy.
- Distribution and component choices
- Reduce throttling and bypass losses by using displacement controls where applicable.
- Minimize internal leakage through appropriate component selection (e.g., poppet valves, low-leak rotary unions).
- Reduce distribution losses by shortening piping, adapting diameters to flow rates, and minimizing separable connections.
- Improve solenoid valve efficiency, choose appropriate filters and maintain fluid cleanliness.
Applications
This guidance is applicable to a broad range of machines where hydraulics deliver high force, motion of heavy loads, clamping, pressing, weight compensation or hydrostatic transmission. Practical benefits include:
- Lower overall energy consumption across duty cycles
- Reduced cooling and auxiliary power needs
- Extended component life through improved fluid management and filtration
Related Standards
The report references and aligns with relevant safety and design standards. Notable associated documents include:
- ISO 5598 (vocabulary for fluid power)
- ISO 4413 (general rules and safety requirements for hydraulic systems)
- ISO 12100 (safety of machinery - design and risk reduction)
- ISO 14955-1 (energy-efficient design methodology for machine tools)
By following ISO/TR 22164:2020 recommendations, organizations can systematically evaluate and implement energy-efficiency measures without compromising safety or required machine performance.