Experiment 2-4

Power and Work

 Power and Work

Objectives:

1. Define the terms power and work.

2. Describe the forms of power produced by a fluid power system.

3. Calculate the horsepower being supplied by a hydraulic system.

4. Calculate the heat being generated by a hydraulic system.

5. Explain how heat is generated in a fluid power system.

6. Explain how work is performed in a hydraulic system.

 Power and Work
Power is defined as the rate at which energy is being generated or
consumed. The most common energy form for performing work
is mechanical energy. In most cases, mechanical energy is the
result of another energy form being converted into mechanical
energy. An example of a converted form of energy would be
electrical to mechanical or in the case of a hydraulic system,
electrical to fluid power. The fluid power energy is in the form of
pressurized fluid which enters an actuator and pushes on a
moveable member. The moveable member will push against the
load because of the pressurized fluid acting on it.
 Power and Work

Linear and Rotary Formulas for Horsepower

Linear Horsepower = Force X Speed

550

Rotary Horsepower = Torque X Speed

63,025
 Generation of Fluid Power

Fluid power is generated when the pump if forced to turn by a prime

mover, either a electric motor or engine. The pump forces fluid into
the system and from there to the actuator to displace an internal
moveable member.
 Generation of Fluid Power

Power Generated by the Pump

HP = Flow Rate x Pressure

1714

The above formula represents an important relationship

between flow, pressure, and horsepower. If you increase either
flow or pressure, horsepower will increase proportionally.
 Power Used

The amount of power used by an actuator is determined through

observation and then calculation. In other words, how much of a
load is being moved and how fast. This can be determined in part by
examining pressure gauges and the drop of pressure that occurs
while the work is being performed.
 Heat Generation
In the study of fluid power, there exists a law that states
energy cannot be created or destroyed but it will change
form. This thermo dynamic relationship portrays an
example of energy changing to the form of heat. In fact, no
energy transfer system is perfect and the usual outcome of
energy loss will always be in the form of heat. The amount
of heat generated by a system represents, to some degree, its
inefficiency. The amount of heat a system can generate may
be calculated with the following information.

1 Hp = 2545 BTU/Hr.
Hp = Psi x Gpm divided by 171
or
BTU/Hr. = 1-1/2 x Psi x Gpm
 Heat Generation

An important point to make is that heat dissipation takes

place where ever heat comes into contact with a cooler
surface. This means that heat is being released throughout the
system but primarily at the reservoir. The presence of heat
indicates that energy has been transformed. With that said,
keep in mind that if energy is transformed into work, such as
an actuator moving a load, under normal circumstances, no
heat is developed. Cylinders are nearly leak free and
therefore convert nearly 100 percent of the pressurized fluid
into mechanical energy. It is a mistake to associate the heat
felt on a cylinder as being the product of inefficiency when it is
in fact simply conducted from the oil.
 Review
1. What form of power does an actuator produce?
2. What factors determine the amount of power generated by the hydraulic
system?
3. How does a hydraulic or pneumatic system transmit power.
4. What causes energy loss in fluid power systems?
5. Into what form does lost energy change?
6. Calculate the amount of power required by the actuator in each of the loads
applied and show your work.
7. Consider the function of the relief valve. Which of the load conditions in
question 6 would waste the greatest amount of energy.

8. Why does it require more pressure to retract a load that is attached to a double
acting cylinder?
9. Why is there relatively no heat produced from a cylinder when compared to the
relief valve?

10. Calculate the heat potential of one hydraulic training unit in BTUs.