Independent metering control systems (IMCS) are an advanced electro-hydraulic technology used in mobile machinery for construction, agriculture, and mining equipment. They represent something of a revolution in mobile machinery, offering the potential to drastically improve energy efficiency, reduce operational costs, and cut carbon emissions, so contributing to environmental sustainability. However, the path to their widespread adoption faces various challenges. A critical review of the state-of-the art International Journal of Hydromechatronics looks at hos these challenges might be addressed.
In standard hydraulic systems, fluid flow is controlled through multiway valves that adjust flow in a single direction. These usually rely on mechanical components to manage the flow. By contrast, IMCS decouples the inlet and outlet of the valve, enabling independent control of fluid flow both into and out of hydraulic actuators. This innovation allows for finer control over hydraulic functions, enhancing system performance and providing more precise energy management.
The primary advantage of IMCS lies in its potential to significantly reduce energy consumption. Traditional hydraulic systems often suffer from inefficiencies due to throttling whereby fluid flow is necessarily restricted to control speed, which leads to energy loss. By providing more precise regulation of fluid pressure and flow, IMCS can minimize these losses. This and other benefits are discussed by Ruqi Ding, Guohua Sun, and Ling Peng of East China Jiaotong University in Nanchang, Min Cheng of Chongqing University in Chongqing, and Junhui Zhang, Bing Xu, and Huayong Yang of Zhejiang University, in Hangzhou, China.
The researchers point out that all industries are facing increased pressure to meet stringent environmental standards. Improving hydraulic system efficiency by just 15 percent could save these industries billions of dollars annually, while also significantly lowering carbon emissions.
One of the main obstacles to more widespread adoption is the complexity associated with the integration of IMCS into existing machinery. Traditional hydraulic systems use mechanical controls that are relatively simple, whereas IMCS relies on sophisticated electronics and software to manage the complex control of multiple fluid inputs and outputs. To take on IMCS, industry will need to invest heavily in the new technology and on training and trust that the payback will be quick given the improvements they will see in the efficiency of their equipment.
Ding, R., Sun, G., Zhang, J., Peng, L., Cheng, M., Xu, B. and Yang, H. (2025) ‘A review of independent metering control system for mobile machinery’, Int. J. Hydromechatronics, Vol. 8, No. 5, pp.1–39.