Energy Efficient Cooling Systems for Machine Tools

Cooling systems are used in machine tools e.g. for the cooling of the spindle, the drives, the cooling lubricant, the control cabinet and the hydraulic system. Cooling systems are one of the main consumers of energy of machine tools. This paper analyses and compares different decentral cooling systems with regard to their power consumption for an exemplary machining centre. To achieve this, the power consumption of the exemplary machining centre is analysed for different operating conditions. On the one hand a cooling system is analysed that from the perspective of energy efficiency represents state-of-the-art technology. And on the other hand a unit is examined whose energy consumption has been optimized. Besides power, displacement of tool centre point and further values as pressure, flow rate and temperature are monitored for the different machining conditions and cooling systems.