This paper presents an investigation into the real-time control of an air m
otor using the concept of a pneumatic equivalent of the electric H-bridge.
A radial piston air motor is considered, ii pneumatic H-bridge is developed
allowing speed and direction control of the motor. A PID control strategy
is adopted to control the motor speed. The control strategy is tested by co
ntrolling the motor at high and low speeds. Experimental results show that
a good level of speed control of the motor is achieved, and that both speed
and direction control of the motor is feasible in real time with the pneum
atic H-bridge concept. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.