Build a hydraulic power unit
Suggested exercises and observations
1. Select folder tab menu 1 (Hydraulic power)
♦ Adjust the pump displacement and observe how the flow rate and input power change.
♦ Adjust the load pressure and observe how input power changes.
♦ Adjust the motor efficiency and observe how the input power would have to change for the output performance to be maintained.
Experiment 1: Hydraulic system losses are likely to include friction, leakage, pressure drops, and heat.
Question 1: Do losses remain the same at all operating temperatures and pressures?
Experiment 2: Output torque can be calculated from the pressure acting on a hydraulic motor and it's displacement.
Question 2: Will the torque increase or decrease if a larger motor size is fitted?
Experiment 3: As hydraulic components reach the end of their design life their overall efficiency can drop.
Question 3: What might indicate if a component is in need of replacement?