Can Hydraulic Circuits Transport Energy Without Compressible Oil?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the mechanisms of energy transport in hydraulic circuits, specifically questioning the role of incompressible oil in this process. Participants explore theoretical aspects of energy transfer, focusing on potential energy and work done by the fluid in motion.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions how energy can be transported in a hydraulic circuit given that oil is nearly incompressible, suggesting that potential energy cannot be a mode of transport.
  • Another participant introduces the concept of pressure-volume work (PΔV) as a relevant factor in energy transport.
  • A different participant clarifies that incompressibility does not preclude changes in pressure, emphasizing that density remains constant.
  • One participant reiterates the initial question about energy transport and elaborates that internal energy changes in liquids due to pressure increases are negligible, asserting that energy is transported by the work done by the liquid when in motion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanisms of energy transport in hydraulic circuits, with no consensus reached on the role of potential energy or the significance of pressure changes.

Contextual Notes

Participants note limitations regarding the assumptions about incompressibility and the conditions under which energy transport occurs, particularly the necessity of fluid motion for energy transfer.

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

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