An energy efficiency evaluation method for parallel robots based on the kinetic energy change rate

Benefit from the high payload-to-weight ratio, parallel robots are expected to have a high potential for energy savings. However,it is a challenging issue to evaluate the energy efficiency of parallel robots with a quantitative method. Quantitative energy efficiency evaluation methods include energy efficiency evaluation models and indices which mathematically describe the relationship between energy consumers in models and design variables of robots, such as geometry, mass and inertia parameters.Considering the structural features of parallel robots, the chains and the end effectors are identified as two separated energy consumers. Besides, the chains in parallel robots are identified as a transmission system which transfers energy from drives to the end effectors. On this basis, an energy efficiency evaluation model considering the change rate of kinetic energy stored in chains is built. The kinetic energy change rate of chains is influenced by design variables of robots as well as motion of the end effector.In order to give a quantitative description of energy efficiency performance of parallel robots, indices considering arbitrary velocity vector of the end effector are proposed. The evaluation method is suitable for all kinds of parallel robots with various motion conditions. Furthermore, the method can be used to optimize machining parameters and guide the design of energyefficient machines.