For centuries, people have been harnessing hydropower for everyday use. It is one of the most widely used and oldest forms of energy usage. From watering crops to powering heavy machinery and construction equipment, hydropower has proven to be versatile and essential. The FJD AH1 Hydraulic Autosteering Kit is one example of how hydraulic power is used in large tractors and heavy-duty agricultural equipment to provide precise and strong steering control.
What Is Hydraulic Power?
Hydraulic power is a form of energy that is transmitted through a controlled circulation of pressurized fluid, usually a water-soluble oil or water-glycol mixture, to a hydro-cylinder. Then, the hydro-cylinder converts the power into a mechanical output capable of doing work on a load, which can be used to drive engines, generators, pumps, and other machines.
Compared to mechanical and electrical systems, hydraulic power systems work more flexibly and have a higher power output. They also offer precise and quick responses to controls. Therefore, hydraulic power systems are widely utilized in heavy industrial machinery, modern automobiles, aircrafts, and machine tools of various kinds.
How Does a Hydraulic System Work?
The hydraulic system consists of five elements: the driver, the pump, the control valves, the hydro-cylinder, and the load. The engine may be a hydro-cylinder or an engine of any type. The pump acts mainly to increase pressure. Here's a simplified explanation of how it works:
- The hydro-cylinder powers the hydraulic pump.
- The reservoir holds hydraulic fluid.
- The hydraulic pump pushes the fluid through the system and converts mechanical energy into hydraulic fluid power.
- The valves control the flow of the liquid and relieve excessive pressure from the system if needed.
- The hydraulic cylinder converts energy back into mechanical energy.
There are many types of hydraulic systems, but each of them contains the same main components as listed above. All of them are designed to work the same way.
The History of Hydraulic Power
Water is essential for generating hydraulic power. Throughout the history, water has been a vital resource that has played a crucial role in advancing human civilization. In ancient Rome, water powered mills to produce flour, stone saws, and timber, providing goods and services to the society. During the Industrial Revolution in Britain, water was employed to extract lead from tin through a process called "hushing". Later, water was used for hydraulic mining to extract gold and other valuable minerals from the earth, which was a hit during the famous California Gold Rush.
Pascal's Law, established around 1648 by Frenchman Blaise Pascal, states that pressure inside a closed system is distributed equally in all directions, making such a confined system a reliable source of mechanical energy. In 1795, Joseph Bramah, an English inventor and locksmith, created the hydraulic press, which is also known as the Bramah Press. He utilized flexible tubing to exert powerful pressure on lifting large objects and running complex machinery.
As time passes by, the hydraulic technology has been evolved and developed steadily since its invention. Today, various forms of hydraulic power are utilized extensively in all walks of life, particularly on construction sites where heavy machinery like bulldozers, cranes, excavators, and diggers rely on it to finish heavy-duty jobs.
The Application of Hydraulic Power in FJD AH1
Using hydraulic power to drive the steering wheels automatically, the FJD AH1 Hydraulic Autosteering Kit is more appropriate for large tractors and heavy-duty agricultural equipment without the need to replace the original steering wheel, helping farmers save a great deal in replacements. The kit provides strong and precise steering control, making it ideal for handling the weight and power of larger equipment in laborious agriculture and other heavy-duty applications.
