I created a Delta RMC application that allows the customer to synchronize multiple adaptive sine wave type tests to multiple masters. Previously they had been using a single sine wave generator for each test.
These are hydraulic pressure tests running between 100-and 5000 psi at up to 8 Hz. When pressure builds, oil is required from the power unit. If multiple tests are running and all the pressure peaks come at the same time, the system runs out of oil. Previously, they had no way to synchronize and phase multiple tests. By allowing each test to be phase offset from a master, the peaks are spaced out and they can run more tests at the same time from the same hydraulic source.
This also takes advantage of adaptive control. Delta has sample adaptive control programs but all are for a single axis. Since this system can run up to 20 axes, I re-wrote the adaptive control program to be generic. All data is stored in arrays. This way there was only one program to write and debug.
I have to have a shout out to the excellent technical support at Delta Motionthat helped with this project. At one point they even made a firmware change for me to help keep multiple sine wave masters in sync. It’s now a part of the current firmware.
Also, pressure cycling at this rate is not possible without good design up front. These controls were retrofitted on existing hardware but whoever designed the rigs initially did their job right.