Mechanism of temperature-induced zero drift on electro-hydraulic servo valve

An electro-hydraulic servo valve is objectively asymmetrical in the process of fabrication and assembly, and the zero position is the result of comprehensive adjustment. During the use of the electro-hydraulic servo valve, the rapid rise of temperature will lead to the zero drift phenomenon and the change in the flow state of the servo valve. With the change in temperature, the thicknesses of air gaps, the size of the orifice, the flow coefficient, the armature’s arm of force, the permanent magnets’ reluctances, and the polarization magnetomotive force, the stiffness of the spring tube and feedback rod will act on the property of the torque motor and the pilot stage. Considering the factors of temperature and processing assembly on the zero drift of the electro-hydraulic servo valve, a mathematical theory model describing the temperature zero drift characteristics is constructed. When the temperature range is 20–270 °C, the analysis demonstrated that the control error of the servo valve will exceed the expected 15%. The temperature has the most significant effect on the servo valve through the flow coefficient. The initial installation angle deflection is the domain route on the temperature zero drift, and other factors have less effect. Compared with the experimental results, the temperature-induced zero drift model correctly calculates the control error trend of the servo valve caused by an increase in temperature, and it will contribute to improving the control precision of the servo valve.