Hydraulic power unit experiments

1. Select dropdown 1 (Auto power unit assembly routine)

♦ Watch as the power unit components are assembled in the correct place.

♦ Remember where each component should be located.

2. Select dropdown 2 (Test pressure with gauge)

♦ Move the mouse-over or click on each component symbol to see its description.

♦ Learn what each component is called and what function it performs.

♦ Learn how to test the pressure at different points in the circuit.

♦ Connect the gauge to each test point.

♦ Observe how the gauge display changes.

♦ Click on the pressure filter dropdown list to select a different clogging indicator.

Select dropdown 3 (Drag and drop assembly of the power unit)

♦ Drag and drop items to assemble the power unit yourself.

♦ The time countdown is shown in the bottom left corner.

Experiment 1: A hydraulic power unit is designed to supply and condition the fluid for all of the system components and actuator.

Question 1: Are power units interchangeable between different systems?

Unlikely. Normally the power unit needs to be designed specifically for each application.

Experiment 2: The reservoir design is particularly important for maintaining the quality of the fluid.

Question 2: How often should the fluid be changed?

As little as possible. Breaking into any part of the circuit will all dirt particles to enter from the air. Only change when it becomes damaged.

Experiment 3: As cylinders extend the reservoir volume reduces. As cylinders retract the volume increases.

Question 3: Should a reservoir be sized with the cylinders in or out?

Probably both, check everything. Large enough to take all of the drain-down fluid and maintain a stable temperature when the fluid volume is low.

Experiment 4: The fluid reservoir is vital for cleaning contaminantes from the fluid.

Question 4: How does the reservoir clean dirt from the fluid?

Slow fluid movement in the reservoir allows the larger particles to settle to the bottom of the tank.

Experiment 5: The fluid reservoir plays a vital roll in controlling the temperature of the fluid.

Question 5: How does the reservoir control the fluid temperature?

A larger volume of fluid can store more energy so heats up more slowly. A larger surface area dissipates more heat.

Experiment 6: Some power units include an oil cooler but others don't.

Question 6: Why don't the units without fluid coolers simply overheat?

They do if they are left running but typically they are only operated for short periods so don't overheat.

Experiment with this hydraulic power unit simulation