Introduction to Hydraulic Pump Design and Pump Efficiency
Purpose:
The purpose of this project is to deepen your understanding of the different types of hydraulic pumps and how they operate. You will also learn how to differentiate between fixed and variable displacement designs and how to calculate pump efficiencies (mechanical, overall, and volumetric efficiencies). The majority of the above learning will be accomplished by using visualization techniques which will involve basic and detailed drawings and/or diagrams. Remember the old saying: “A picture speaks a thousand words.”
Objectives:
By the end of this assignment, students will be able to do the following:
1) Identify the (3) major pump types used in fluid power systems.
2) Distinguish between fixed and variable displacement designs of the above pump types.
3) Describe the operation of the above various pump types using visualization techniques.
4) Understand that every pump design has limitations and is not 100% efficient.
5) Explore trade-offs between pump types.
Instructions:
Draw and label each part of the following types of pumps and explain how they function to produce hydraulic fluid flow:
1. Gear Pump (fixed)
2. Vane Pump (fixed)
3. Vane Pump (variable)
4. Piston Pump (fixed)
5. Piston Pump (variable)
For starters, read the assigned text and watch the following video that shows animations of hydraulic pumps and use it to inform your design practice.
Understanding how these pumps work will assist you with more detailed calculations that we will discuss in later units especially as it concerns volumetric displacement and the amount of flow a pump can produce. Note that this is not the only “how do hydraulic pumps work?” resource available. Please share other helpful resources on your reference page.
Again, remember to include all references (3 total/peer reviewed). I recommend first drawing by hand then use computer drawing tools (e.g. Word, PowerPoint, other) to generate each diagram. Each diagram is worth 20 points. 100 pts total.
You will be graded on the following:
a. Overall quality/neatness of drawing
b. Drawing and labeling of each part
c. Explaining how each part works in achieving flow. Follow a logical flow of ideas.
Note that pumps and rotary motors work similar in principle. We’ll use this assignment to double-down on our learning. You have one week to complete this assignment.