Of the most important forms of energy that can be used for drives (mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic) only mechanical energy does not require conversion (Figure E 29).
For all forms of energy the detour via an energy conversion must be selected that on electrical systems signifies rectification or frequency conversion, while on fluid-based systems a pump or a compressor is required. The drive element in electrical systems is the electric motor, and in fluid technology the cylinder or the motor (Figure E 30).
These systems are therefore more complex and have worse efficiency than the mechanical drive. However, the control and regulation behaviour are significantly better.
![947f892b0919025ce11fdde1b01ee20e318d9ea8 0001_energieumformung.gif](/fileadmin/smc/files/947f892b0919025ce11fdde1b01ee20e318d9ea8.gif)
Figure E 29: Block diagram of a mechanical drive
![729c671f2f1b2411565b2ffbbe9204f7ab6bb611 0002_energieumformung.gif](/fileadmin/smc/files/729c671f2f1b2411565b2ffbbe9204f7ab6bb611.gif)
Figure E 30: Block diagram of a drive with energy conversion