Hydraulic transmission devices are widely used in many fields such as engineering machinery, industrial automation equipment and aerospace due to their excellent efficiency, flexibility and strong load capacity. However, the overall efficiency of the hydraulic system is affected by many factors, which are not only directly related to the performance of the equipment, but also closely related to energy consumption and economy.
Properties of hydraulic oil
Viscosity
The viscosity of hydraulic oil is a key parameter affecting the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Too high viscosity will cause poor flow of hydraulic oil, thereby increasing the load of the pump and reducing the overall efficiency of the system. Relatively speaking, too low viscosity may cause oil film rupture and increase equipment wear. Therefore, it is very important to select hydraulic oil with appropriate viscosity. Usually, the influence of working temperature and use environment should be considered in the design stage of hydraulic system.
Temperature
The temperature of hydraulic oil has a significant effect on its viscosity and chemical properties. In high temperature environment, the viscosity of hydraulic oil will decrease, thereby weakening its lubrication performance and increasing the risk of leakage and wear; on the contrary, low temperature will cause the viscosity of oil to increase and affect fluidity. Therefore, the hydraulic system should be equipped with efficient cooling or heating devices to ensure that the hydraulic oil is maintained within a suitable operating temperature range.
Contaminants
Contaminants in hydraulic oil (such as water, particles and chemicals) can significantly affect the performance of the oil, causing increased wear and failure rate of the system. Regular inspection and replacement of hydraulic oil to keep the oil clean can help improve the efficiency and service life of the hydraulic system.
Performance of hydraulic components
Efficiency of pumps
The hydraulic pump is the core of the hydraulic system, and its efficiency directly determines the transmission efficiency of the entire system. The type of pump (such as gear pumps, vane pumps and plunger pumps, etc.), design and manufacturing accuracy will affect its working efficiency. An efficient pump can provide the required flow and pressure at a lower energy consumption, which is crucial to improving the overall performance of the system.
Design of hydraulic cylinders
The design of hydraulic cylinders has a direct impact on their output force and movement speed. Factors such as the piston area, stroke and seal design of the hydraulic cylinder will affect its efficiency. Reasonable design can not only reduce leakage, but also increase output power, thereby effectively improving the overall efficiency of the system.
Performance of valves
Control valves (such as overflow valves, directional valves and flow control valves) in hydraulic systems play a vital role in the control of fluids. The design and adjustment accuracy of the valve directly affect the control of flow and pressure, and thus affect the efficiency of the system. In addition, valve leakage and resistance loss will also lead to energy waste and reduce the overall performance of the system.
Pipeline design and layout
Pipeline length and diameter
The length and diameter of the hydraulic pipeline have a significant impact on the resistance of fluid flow. Too long a pipeline will cause pressure loss, thereby reducing system efficiency; while too small a pipeline diameter will increase flow resistance and cause energy loss. Therefore, during the design of the hydraulic system, the pipeline length should be shortened as much as possible and the appropriate pipe diameter should be selected to optimize fluid flow and reduce pressure loss.
Elbows and joints
The elbows and joints in the pipeline will increase the flow resistance of the fluid and cause energy loss. Each elbow and joint may cause a certain amount of pressure loss, so the number of elbows should be minimized during design, and joints with small fluid power loss should be selected to improve the overall efficiency of the system.