Chapter (1)

Introduction of Fluid Power

1.1 What is fluid power?

Fluid power is the technology that deals with the generation, control, and transmission of
power-using pressurized fluids. It can be said that fluid power is the muscle that moves
industry. This is because fluid power is used to push, pull, regulate, or drive virtually all
the machines of modern industry. For example, fluid power steers and brakes
automobiles, launches spacecraft, moves earth, harvests crops, mines coal, drives
machine tools, controls airplanes, processes food, and even drills teeth.
In fact, it is almost impossible to find a manufactured product that hasn't been “fluid-
powered” in some way at some stage of its production or distribution.
Since a fluid can be either a liquid or a gas.
Fluid power is actually the general term used for hydraulics and pneumatics.
 Hydraulic systems use liquids such as petroleum oils, water, synthetic oils, and
even molten metals. The first hydraulic fluid to be used was water because it is
readily available. However, water has many deficiencies. It freezes readily, is a
relatively poor lubricant, and tends to rust metal components. Hydraulic oils are far
superior and hence are widely used instead of water.
 Pneumatic systems use air as the gas medium because air is very abundant and can
be readily exhausted into the atmosphere after completing its assigned task.
It should be realized that there are actually two different types of fluid systems: fluid
transport and fluid power
 Fluid transport: sole purpose is to move fluid from one location to another.
 Fluid power: like transport systems, power systems move fluid but are designed to
perform work. Also, the fluid is bears upon cylinders and motors (actuators) to
accomplish the work.

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1.2 Power transmission methods
Power systems are used to transmit and control power. This function is illustrated by Fig.
(1.1). The following are the basic parts of a power system.
1. Source of energy, delivering mechanical power of rotary motion. Electric motors
and internal combustion engines (ICE) are the most commonly used power sources.
For special applications, steam turbines, gas turbines, or hydraulic turbines are used.
2. Energy transmission, transformation, and control elements.
3. Load requiring mechanical power of either rotary or linear motion.

Figure 1.1: The function of a power system.

In engineering applications, there exist different types of power systems: mechanical,

electrical, and fluid. Figure (1.2) shows the classification of power systems.

Figure (1.2): The classification of power systems.

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1.2.1 Mechanical power systems
The mechanical power systems use mechanical elements to transmit and control the
mechanical power. The drive train of a small car is a typical example of a mechanical power
system as shown in Fig (1.3). The gearbox (3) is connected to the engine (1) through the
clutch (2). The input shaft of the gear box turns at the same speed as the engine. Its output
shaft (4) turns at different speeds, depending on the selected gear transmission ratio. The
power is then transmitted to the wheels (8) through the universal joints (5), drive shaft (6),
and differential (7).
When compared with other power systems, mechanical power systems have advantages
such as relatively simple construction, maintenance, and operation, as well as low cost.
However, their power-to weight ratio is minimal, the power transmission distance is too
limited, and the flexibility and controllability are poor.

Figure (1.3): An automotive drive train

1.2.2 Electrical power systems

Electrical power systems solve the problems of power transmission distance and flexibility,
and improve controllability. Figure (1.4) illustrates the principal of operation of electrical
power systems. These systems offer advantages such as high flexibility and a very long
power transmission distance, but they produce mainly rotary motion. Rectilinear motion,

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of high power, can be obtained by converting the rotary motion into rectilinear motion by
u sing a suitable gear system or by using a drum and wire. However, holding the load
position requires a special braking system.

Figure (1.4): Power transmission in an electrical power system

 Fluid systems
1.2.3 Pneumatic power systems
Pneumatic systems are power systems using compressed air as a working medium for the
power transmission. Their principle of operation is similar to that of electric power systems.
The air compressor converts the mechanical energy of the prime mover into mainly
pressure energy of compressed air. This transformation facilitates the transmission and
control of power.
An air preparation process is needed to prepare the compressed air for use. The air
preparation includes filtration, drying, and the adding of lubricating oil mist. The
compressed air is stored in the compressed air reservoirs and transmitted through rigid
and/or flexible lines. The pneumatic power is controlled by means of a set of pressure,
flow, and directional control valves. Then, it is converted to the required mechanical power
by means of pneumatic cylinders and motors (expanders). Figure (1.5) illustrates the
process of power transmission in pneumatic systems.

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 Figure (1.5): Power transmission in a pneumatic power system
 Hydraulic power systems
The hydraulic power systems transmit mechanical power by increasing the energy of
hydraulic liquids. Two types of hydraulic power systems are used: hydrodynamic and
hydrostatic.

Figure (1.6): Power transmission in a hydraulic power system

1.2.4 Hydrodynamic power systems

Hydrodynamic (also called hydrokinetic) power systems transmit power by increasing
mainly the kinetic energy of liquid. Generally, these systems include a rotodynamic pump,

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a turbine, and additional control elements. The applications of hydrodynamic power
systems are limited to rotary motion. These systems replace the classical mechanical
transmission in the power stations and vehicles due to their high power-to-weight ratio and
better controllability.
1.2.5 Hydrostatic power systems
In the hydrostatic power systems, the power is transmitted by increasing mainly the
pressure energy of liquid. These systems are widely used in industry, mobile equipment,
aircrafts, ship control, and others.
This text deals with the hydrostatic power systems, which are commonly called hydraulic
power systems. Figure 1.6 shows the operation principle of such systems.
1.3 Comparing Power Systems
Table 1.1 shows a brief comparison of the different power systems, while Table 1.2 gives
the power variables in mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems.

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1.4 Applications of fluid power
1. Fluid power drives high wire overhead tram
2. Fluid power is applied to harvesting corn
3. Hydraulics power brush drives
4. Fluid power positions and holds parts for welding
5. Fluid power performs bridge maintenance
6. Fluid power is the muscle in industrial lift trucks
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 7. Fluid power drives front-end loaders
8. Hydraulics power robotic dextrous arm
9. Fluid power steering system
10. Hydraulic flight control system.

1.5 Components of a fluid power system

1.5.1 Hydraulic system
There are six basic components required in a hydraulic system:
1. A tank (reservoir) to hold the liquid, which is usually hydraulic oil.
2. A pump to force the liquid through the system.
3. An electric motor or other power source to drive the pump.
4. Valves to control liquid direction, pressure, and flow rate.
5. An actuator to convert the energy of the liquid into mechanical force or torque to do
useful work. Actuators can either be cylinders to provide linear motion or motors
(hydraulic) to provide rotary motion.
6. Piping which carries the liquid from one location to another.

Figure (1.7): Hydraulic system circuit, schematic, and symbolic drawings.

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1.5.2 Pneumatic system
Pneumatic systems have components that are similar to those used in hydraulic system.
Essentially the following six basic components are required for pneumatic systems:
1. An air tank to store a given volume of compressed air.
2. A compressor to compress the air that comes directly from the atmosphere.
3. An electric motor or other prime mover to drive the compressor.
4. Valves to control air direction, pressure, and flow rate.
5. Actuators which are similar in operation to hydraulic actuators.
6. Piping to carry the pressurized air from one location to another.

Figure (1.8): pneumatic power unit with electric driven compressor

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1.6 Advantages of Hydraulic Power Systems
The following four major categories:
1. Ease and accuracy of control. By the use of simple levers and push buttons, the
operator of a fluid power system can readily start, stop, speed up or slow down, and
position forces that provide any desired horsepower with tolerances as precise as few
micrometers.
2. Multiplication of force. A fluid power system (without using cumbersome gears,
pulleys, and levers) can multiply forces simply and efficiently from a fraction of a
gram to several hundred tons of output.
3. Constant force or torque. Only fluid power systems are capable of providing
constant force or torque regardless of speed.
4. Simplicity, safety, economy. In general, fluid power systems use fewer moving
parts than comparable mechanical or electrical systems. Thus, they are simpler to
maintain and operate. This, in turn, maximizes safety, compactness, and reliability.
1.7 Drawbacks (disadvantages) of Hydraulic Power Systems
1. Hydraulic power is not readily available, unlike electrical. Hydraulic generators are
therefore required.
2. High cost of production due to the requirements of small clearances and high
precision production process.
3. High inertia of transmission lines, which increases their response time.
4. Limitation of the maximum and minimum operating temperature.
5. Fire hazard when using mineral oils.
6. Oil filtration problems.

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