Uncertainty modeling of excavator’s variable displacement pump based on EFAST and MH-Cuckoo method

• Uncertainty analysis of variable displacement pumps using EFAST and MH-Cuckoo; • To identify key parameters in variable displacement pump uncertainty modeling; • This method outperforms traditional MH and MH-PSO in uncertainty analysis; • Trains BPNN in BP-PID control systems using uncertainty parameter samples; • This method ensures the control performance of the variable displacement pump under uncertainty. This study investigates the uncertainty in the modeling of variable displacement pumps, a critical component in excavators' energy-saving control systems. Existing research often neglects these uncertainties, which can affect both model accuracy and control performance. To address this, uncertainty modeling of the variable displacement pump was performed using the EFAST and MH-Cuckoo methods, and the control performance of the uncertainty method was analyzed. EFAST sensitivity analysis selected key parameters in the modeling process, including ω d , ξ d , F s0 , K and ω p , with corresponding sensitivity indices ( S x ) of 0.181, 0.171, 0.083, 0.078, and 0.078, respectively. The MH-Cuckoo method was employed to estimate the uncertainty of these parameters, providing accurate value ranges. Compared to traditional MH and MH-PSO methods, the MH-Cuckoo method demonstrated superior iteration efficiency, higher sample acceptance rates (53.2%, compared to 22.3% and 45.6% for MH and MH-PSO, respectively), and reduced sample stagnation. The BP-PID control system performance was evaluated under uncertainty and deterministic methods, with sine input signals at 4 different frequencies. The uncertainty method yielded average MARE values of 1.24%, 1.92%, 2.57%, and 3.02%, outperforming the deterministic method (2.74%, 3.41%, 5.30%, and 7.20%). The results demonstrate that EFAST and MH-Cuckoo methods can reliably and efficiently perform uncertainty analysis. Uncertainty method effectively ensured the stability of the variable displacement pump control system. This study provides theoretical and practical guidance for energy-saving control in excavators.