Can Hydraulic Circuits Transport Energy Without Compressible Oil?

[Jakob Weg]

How can energy be transported in a hydraulic circuit? The volume of oil is nearly incompressible. Therefor energy can not be transported in the form of potential (inner) energy of the oil.

 

[Bystander]

PΔV.

 

[ulianjay]

Incompressible doesn't mean that there can't be any change in pressure, it just means that the density doesn't change.

 

[Jano L.]

How can energy be transported in a hydraulic circuit? The volume of oil is nearly incompressible. Therefor energy can not be transported in the form of potential (inner) energy of the oil.

Internal energy change of liquids after pressure is increased is negligible. The energy from the source (motor) is transported to the load by work of the liquid in contact with the load when the surface of contact moves. If it does not move, there is no transport of energy.

 

[PJC01]

I can confirm that hydraulic circuits rely on the incompressibility of oil to transport energy. The volume of oil in a hydraulic system remains constant, allowing it to efficiently transmit force and power throughout the system. However, it is important to note that while the oil itself cannot store potential energy, it is able to transport and convert energy from other sources, such as mechanical or electrical, into hydraulic energy.

In a hydraulic circuit, energy is typically transported in the form of pressure energy. This is achieved through the use of pumps, which convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy by pressurizing the oil. This pressurized oil is then able to transmit force and power to actuators, such as cylinders or motors, which convert the hydraulic energy back into mechanical energy to perform work.

In addition to pressure energy, hydraulic circuits can also transport energy in the form of kinetic energy. This is seen in systems that use accumulators, which store pressurized oil under nitrogen gas. When the oil is released, it expands and creates a high velocity flow, which can be used to power turbines or other devices.

Overall, while the oil in a hydraulic circuit may not store potential energy itself, it is a crucial component in the efficient transportation and conversion of energy from other sources.