Chapter 1

Introduction to Fluid Power

Chapter 1: Intro to Fluid Power

1.1 What is fluid power? 1.2 History 1.3 Advantages 1.4 Applications 1.5 Components 1.6 Industry Homework (exercises)

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1.1 What is Fluid Power?

Conductor (flexible hoses) Actuator (cylinder) Actuator (cylinder) FP14

Actuator (cylinder) Control Unit (levers, valves)

Power Unit (pump, reservoir, etc.)

Hydraulic-powered excavator

1.1 What is Fluid Power?

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(OR CYLINDER)

Hydraulic System

1.1 What is Fluid Power?

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Hydraulic System

1.1 What is Fluid Power?

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Hydraulic Power Unit

Pneumatic Power Unit

1.1 What is Fluid Power? Fluid power

is the technology that deals with: the generation,

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the control,
the transmission of power using

pressurized fluids.

1.1 What is Fluid Power? Hydraulics =

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Fluid power using liquid (oil or water).

Pneumatics =
Fluid power using gas (air).

1.1 What is Fluid Power?

Hydraulic fluid power
uses for transmitting power. Thus huge forces

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liquids which provide a very rigid medium

can be provided to move loads with utmost accuracy and precision.

Pneumatic systems

exhibit spongy

characteristics due to the compressibility of air. However pneumatic systems are less

expensive to build and operate.

1.1 What is Fluid Power?

Hydraulics:
OIL Water

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+
Widely used Good lubricant

Flammability Environmental concerns Freezes more readily Poor lubricant Corrosion

Abundance Nonflammability Environmental cleanliness

1.2 History of Fluid Power

By 1870: Steam engines drove hydraulic water pumps to drive cranes, presses, etc.

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Centuries ago: Water wheels, windmills, propel ships

By 1906: Hydraulic system used oil instead of water. By 1926: First unitized, packaged hydraulic system.

1.2 History of Fluid Power

Pascals law (1650):
Pressure is transmitted uniformly in a confined body of fluid.

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Bernoullis law (1750):

Conservation of energy for a fluid flowing in a pipeline

1.2 History of Fluid Power

Todays Fluid Power:

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Robotized panel bender system

US Air Force B-2 Bomber

B-2 Servoactuator

1.3 Advantages of Fluid Power

Advantages of Fluid Power Systems
Not hindered by geometry of machine. Provides remote control. Complex mechanical linkages are eliminated. Instantly reversible motion. Automatic protection against overloads. Infinitely variable speed control.

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Advantages of Mechanical System:

No mess due to oil leakage problems. No danger of bursting of hydraulic lines. No fire hazard due to oil leaks.

1.4 Application of Fluid Power

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One Current Wind Turbine may be as large as

375 feet rotor diameter, 400 feet height and produces 5 megawatt of electrical power (which can replace the burning of 15 000 tons of coal per year).

1.5 Components of a Fluid Power System (Valves control oil direction, 4. pressure and flow rate) 3. Electric motor
(or other power source)

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5. Actuator
(Cylinder, Hydraulic Motor)

2. 6. Piping 1.
(hydraulic oil)

Hydraulic System

1.5 Components of a Fluid Power System

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Hydraulic System

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1.5 Components of a Fluid Power System Pneumatic System: 1. Air tank 2. A compressor 3. Electric or gas motor
(or other power source)

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4. Valves 5. Actuator (cylinder, pneumatic motor) 6. Piping

1.6 The Fluid Power Industry

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Nearly all manufacturing plants rely on fluid power in the production of goods.
About 75 % of all fluid power sales are hydraulic and 25 % are pneumatic.

HOMEWORK WEEK 1
Exercises: 1-1; 1-2; 1-6; 1-12; 1-13 See the Course Outline under Student obligations to fulfill course requirements for a complete description of how to submit the homework.