Advantages Disadvantages of Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Electrical-Electronic systems

The following relates to general Pneumatic, Hydraulic, Electrical-Electronic systems
as well as Control Systems which uses the systems mentioned.



Pneumatic Systems advantages:
- cheap initial installation
- air availability
- ease of transfer through piping
- ease of power and speed transmission
- ease of use
- ease of maintenance
- safe, explosion proof
- clean
- works in wide temperature range
- reserve compressed air can be stored



Pneumatic Systems disadvantages:
- more energy cost compared to hydraulic
- easy to leak
- hard to find leaks
- noise
- condensation/moisture
- needs drying to avoid condensation
- control of speed needs additional devices
- control of position difficult
- does not work underwater
- does not work in extreme temperatures
- requires bigger cylinder to handle the same load as in hydraulic



Hydraulic Systems advantages:
- high horsepower-to-weight ratio
- maintains constant torque and force
- hydraulic power can be transmitted in long distances
- motion reversal is fast
- handles strong, heavy loads, shock forces
- lesser overall wear because of oil lubrication
- does not generate sparks
- smooth operation/lifting/movement of loads
- costs less energy to operate
- leaks easier to find
- operates in hot environments



Hydraulic Systems disadvantages:
- more expensive initial installation than pneumatic system 
- noisy
- risk of contamination
- requires more energy to operate
- requires more maintenance
- heavier components, parts
- hydraulic fluid dangerous to humans
- hydraulic fluid not environment friendly



Electronic/Electrical Systems advantages:
- high accuracy
- quiet
- longer life
- no moving parts
- lesser maintenance
- more reliable
- high efficiency
- higher energy savings due to better energy management
- less drift and recalibration problems




Electronic/Electrical Systems disadvantages:
- expensive initial cost
- complexity of algorithms/troubleshooting
- risk of radio frequency interference
- risk of fire hazards due to arcs, sparks
- risk of electricution, short circuits, grounds