Refinement of Electro-Hybrid Actuator Prototype for AI-Based Predictive Maintenance Development

Introduction

The Electro-Hybrid Actuator (EHA) is the latest patented product developed by SPEO. It represents a state-of-the-art actuator drive system designed to operate large process control valves, which are crucial components in industries such as oil and gas, hydropower, and fluid cargo pumping systems. These valves currently rely on outdated, energy-inefficient designs, creating an opportunity for significant improvement. SPEO’s EHA offers a modern, energy-efficient alternative that integrates advanced control systems and modern software technologies.The market potential for this innovation is vast, given the increasing focus on energy optimization and sustainability. SPEO Products has already secured a letter of intent with a prominent, well-known client in the oil, gas, and renewables sectors, signaling the potential for widespread industry adoption.

See attached PDF for project description with figures and contact information.

Project Description

The goal of this Bachelor/Master project is to upgrade and validate an existing Electro-Hybrid Actuator (EHA) prototype, which will be installed in the Mechatronics Laboratory at the University of Agder (UiA). While another project group focuses on designing a more compact version of the EHA for production using modern manufacturing techniques, this project will exclusively concentrate on installing the current EHA prototype at UiA, upgrading it with the necessary instrumentation for condition monitoring, and validating its functionality. The upgraded prototype will serve as a platform for future research and development in AI-based predictive maintenance.

To achieve the project’s goals, the following tasks will be carried out:

1. Component Upgrades: Upgrade the EHA prototype with necessary components based on the updated system architecture to support condition monitoring and real-time data acquisition.
2. Instrumentation: Equip the prototype with sensors and other instrumentation required for condition monitoring and data collection, enabling future R&D efforts in AI-based predictive maintenance.
3. Model-Based Control Design and Testing: Develop and test a model-based control system to validate the performance of the upgraded EHA prototype.

Depending on the group size, skills, and interests, the following additional tasks are open for discussion: 

• Digital Twin Development: Collaborate with SPEO and the current project team to assist in the development of a digital twin for the EHA prototype. This will involve working on high-fidelity simulation models for real-time applications, supporting future diagnostics and predictive maintenance R&D.

Keywords

• Instrumentation
• Electro-hydraulic actuation system
• Fluid mechanics
• Modeling and simulation
• PLC programming
• Testing in laboratory

Additional Information

A team from SPEO’s subsidiary, Assure AS, which is also working on the EHA system, will actively support student projects. This collaboration offers excellent opportunities for students to continue working on the EHA through internships, MSc projects, part-time positions, and even full-time roles after completing their BSc/MSc.