The paper presents two ways of the output link ofpneumatic drive velocity control by the throttle. Pneumatic cylinder is considered as a commonly used pneumatic or electrшс pneumatic drive. A comparative analysis of energy efficiency in the cases ofprimary and secondary regulation is done via comparison of performance. Different thermodynamic processes of compressed gas are considered. The formula for real gas flow calculation through a throttle is presented. It is shown that the greatestflow is obtained at the critical value of a critical index.