Hydraulic control system utilizing feed-forward control

A method for controlling movement of a tool with a hydraulic control system, comprising:

• pressurizing fluid with a pump;
• receiving an operator command to move the tool;
• estimating a change in a flow demand in the hydraulic control system based on the operator command to move the tool with a feed-forward control map that responds to an estimated disturbance in a predefined way configured to relate the operator command to move the tool to a change of discharge flow rate of the pump;
• adjusting a discharge flow rate of the pump based on the estimated change in the flow demand;
• and
• directing at least a portion of the pressurized fluid to move the tool based on the operator command.

A machine, comprising:

• a power source;
• a pump mechanically driven by the power source;
• a pump actuator fluidly connected to the pump and configured to adjust a displacement of the pump;
• a tool actuator configured to receive a flow of pressurized fluid from the pump to move a tool;
• a tool control valve configured to control the flow of the pressurized fluid to the tool actuator;
• a control sensor configured to generate a first signal indicative of a tool movement request;
• and
• a controller, including a feed-forward control map that responds to an estimated disturbance in a predefined way configured to relate the tool movement request to a change of discharge flow rate of the pump, operably connected with the control sensor and the tool control valve, the controller being configured to:
• estimate a change in a flow demand across the tool control valve associated with the tool movement request with the feed-forward control map;
• command movement of the tool control valve to satisfy the tool movement request;
• and
• command a flow of pressurized fluid to the pump actuator to adjust the discharge flow rate of the pump to accommodate the estimated change in the flow demand at about the same time that the tool control valve is commanded to move to satisfy the tool movement request.