Design of progressive distributors in centralized lubrication systems by genetic algorithms

Design of progressive distributors in centralized lubrication systems by genetic algorithms

journal article - other

Czech

The aim of this paper is to introduce a methodology for the design of progressive distributors in centralized lubrication systems by means of genetic algorithms. The paper focuses on the design of suitable ZP-A and ZP-B progressive distributors [7] for a centralized lubrication system with 16 lubrication points divided into 3 groups. Both types of the distributors are prefabricated modules, which are used to distribute lubricant to a given number of points in a sequential and progressive manner. ZP-A and ZP-B distributors can be composed of 3 types of sections of different sizes. Three sections is the minimum for both types of distributors. The following factors affect the way in which lubricant is divided in a distributor: the number of sections, section sizes, the interconnection of crosssection channels, the opening (closure) of or the interconnection of certain outlets in a section. The number and the organization of lubrication points determine the number and the hierarchical organization of progressive distributors in a lubrication system. In order to find suitable structures of ZP-A and ZP-B progressive distributors, an optimization program in Java [8] implementing a genetic algorithm has been developed. With the aid of this program, numerous structures of ZP-A and ZP-B distributors, as a result of a great variety of the interconnections of cross-section channels and many possible variations of section sizes, can be evaluated and a more suitable solution can be found much faster.

The aim of this paper is to introduce a methodology for the design of progressive distributors in centralized lubrication systems by means of genetic algorithms. The paper focuses on the design of suitable ZP-A and ZP-B progressive distributors [7] for a centralized lubrication system with 16 lubrication points divided into 3 groups. Both types of the distributors are prefabricated modules, which are used to distribute lubricant to a given number of points in a sequential and progressive manner. ZP-A and ZP-B distributors can be composed of 3 types of sections of different sizes. Three sections is the minimum for both types of distributors. The following factors affect the way in which lubricant is divided in a distributor: the number of sections, section sizes, the interconnection of crosssection channels, the opening (closure) of or the interconnection of certain outlets in a section. The number and the organization of lubrication points determine the number and the hierarchical organization of progressive distributors in a lubrication system. In order to find suitable structures of ZP-A and ZP-B progressive distributors, an optimization program in Java [8] implementing a genetic algorithm has been developed. With the aid of this program, numerous structures of ZP-A and ZP-B distributors, as a result of a great variety of the interconnections of cross-section channels and many possible variations of section sizes, can be evaluated and a more suitable solution can be found much faster.

lubrication systems, progressive distributors, genetic algorithms, optimization of flow rates, Java language

lubrication systems, progressive distributors, genetic algorithms, optimization of flow rates, Java language

VEPŘEK, J.

2008

15. 5. 2008

SIMP press

Wroclaw

1505-3954

Hydraulika i Pneumatyka

28

5

Republic of Poland

21

27

8