Electric and hydraulic motors are both used in a variety of sectors. They may be used interchangeably in some circumstances, but hydraulic motors may be used for some applications and electric motors for others. On construction equipment, both electric and hydraulic motors are employed, but hydraulic motors seem to be more common.
Well, in this article we’ll be discussing “hydraulic motor vs electric motor”.
So, let’s dive in!
Contents
What are hydraulic and electric motors?
Hydraulics motors
A mechanical actuator known as a hydraulic motor transforms hydraulic flow and pressure into torque and angular displacement (rotation). The hydraulic motor is the linear actuator’s rotating equivalent of the hydraulic cylinder. In its broadest sense, the term “hydraulic motors” has occasionally applied to hydroelectric-powered machines (specifically, water engines and water motors), but in modern usage, the term is typically used to describe motors that use hydraulic fluid as a component of closed hydraulic circuits in hydraulic machinery.
Pros and cons
Pros
- It may provide an output force that is very high compared to the input force.
- A Higher level of movement accuracy.
- Since the system is already sealed to keep the hydraulic fluids contained, it performs well in difficult situations with water, dirt, and other impurities.
- It may quickly stop and start while carrying heavy loads without sustaining harm.
- It may move slowly and precisely while carrying hefty objects.
- Can deliver a tremendous amount of torque with no gearing and a fraction of the size of an electric motor.
- Smooth and increase the system’s efficiency by storing energy in the accumulators as fluid under pressure.
- can maintain a load at rest while using no power.
- Reduces the size of the motor required by being sized for the typical load.
- It may be mounted remotely, only requiring near proximity to the application for the accumulator, actuator, and control valves.
Cons
- It often costs more to purchase initially.
- Filters, hydraulic pumps, and oils that need to be checked, replaced, or cleaned on a regular basis make it messy to operate and maintain.
- Leaks of hydraulic fluid pose risks to public safety and the environment.
- Actuators, accumulators, release valves, and hydraulic fluid are only a few of the components needed for hydraulic systems.
- Fluid leaks in the system will eventually result from high vibration.
- Noisy operation.
- The maintenance that must be performed on an electric motor must be more frequent than the inspection, cleaning, and topping off of hydraulic fluid.
- efficiency lost due to heat loss is greater than those of electric motors.
Electric motors
An electrical device that transforms electrical energy into mechanical energy is an electric motor. The majority of electric motors work by creating force in the form of torque imparted to the motor shaft through the interplay of the magnetic field of the motor and electric current in a wire winding. Although an electric generator and an electric motor are technically equivalent, an electric generator uses a reversed power flow to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy. Electric motors can be powered by alternating current (AC) sources like a power grid, inverters, or electrical generators or by direct current (DC) sources like batteries or rectifiers.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Their hydraulic counterparts are more expensive.
- is capable of reaching high RPMs.
- configurable speeds and stop places and high positioning precision.
- With the inclusion of VFDs, precise control is made possible with force and motion feedback.
- Scaling systems is simple.
- Motors that are electric run more quietly and smoothly.
Cons
- It might be challenging to install and troubleshoot, frequently requiring an engineer or an electrician.
- Electric motor windings are delicate to water, dust, grime, and other impurities.
- Heavy loads may cause the motor to trip out or stall, which could lead to failure and potential damage.
- Because a gearbox is required to transport a load at a reduced speed, the system’s effectiveness is diminished.
- Cannot be easily utilized underwater because it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to make them completely waterproof.
- The size becomes unworkable for significant torque generation.
- Must be expanded to accommodate the maximum load specifications; this will use more power than is often required.
- Mounted close to the application is required.
- The size becomes unworkable for significant torque generation.
- Must be expanded to accommodate the maximum load specifications; this will use more power than is often required.
- Mounted close to the application is required.
Hydraulic motor vs Electric motor
We’ll discuss their difference based on the following;
Harsh Environments
Electric motors are more environment-sensitive than hydraulic motors because of their windings. This implies that things like dust and seawater spray can harm them severely. On the other hand, hydraulic motors are built to last in some of the most extreme industrial settings. This is one of the factors contributing to the widespread usage of hydraulic motors in construction, mining, and agricultural machinery.
Generating Torque
Large quantities of torque can be produced by electric motors without the losses associated with torque-multiplying gear systems. The issue is that these high-torque electrical motors are too big to be used on construction machinery. At a fraction of the size, hydraulic motors are capable of producing torque that is just as impressive. Some hydraulic motors were created with high torque and power density in mind. The best motor to use if there isn’t enough room for a high-torque motor is a hydraulic motor.
Stalling Loads
When faced with loads that could stall them, electric motors don’t react well. The likelihood of irreversible harm is high if a strong load causes an electric motor to stall. Under an extreme load, hydraulic motors may stall, although no permanent harm results. Hydraulic motors are a preferable option if excessive loads are expected to be a problem.
Working Underwater
Hydraulic motors are employed when working underwater since they are designed to seal fluids in, which implies that water will be shut out. An electrical motor cannot, however, be completely sealed for use underwater. Hydraulic motors are a preferable option for equipment that will be partially or completely submerged underwater, such as excavators used to dredge marshes.
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Watch the video below to learn more
FAQs
What are the advantages of hydraulic motors over electric motors?
Compared to electric motors, hydraulic motors are more efficient, durable, and powerful. These qualities make them the perfect option for a variety of industries, including mining, agriculture, and construction.
Why is hydraulic better than electric?
While hydraulic motors and electric motors can perform almost identical duties, hydraulic motors are more appropriate for applications involving large machinery. When it comes to difficult jobs with large loads, they are frequently more effective.
Why use hydraulics instead of electricity?
Hydraulic systems use accumulators to balance energy needs. These straightforward machines may store energy as fluid under pressure and release it quickly as needed. As a result, hydraulic power can also help machines move more slowly while using less energy.
What is the advantage of the hydraulic motor?
Hydraulic motor location and speed control are simple. The hydraulic motor is a little compact in size. They can be applied in dangerous situations.
Which is better to use hydraulic or electric actuators?
Despite having a higher initial cost, electric actuator systems are twice as efficient as hydraulic ones. However, if the higher performance, system flexibility, cheaper maintenance, process improvements, and lower electricity costs are taken into account, the expenses over the actuator’s lifetime are significantly lower.
What are hydraulic motors best used for?
- To move mobile and construction equipment.
- High-pressure operations.
- Machines for processing plastic using press-like machines.
- Utilized in clamping hydraulics.
What is the alternative to a hydraulic motor?
Electric rod actuators, like this Tolomatic RSA cylinder, have ever-increasing force capabilities that, in some situations, can approach those of hydraulics, making them more adaptable, precise, and dependable than hydraulic cylinders.
Are hydraulic motors efficient?
Energy wasted as a result of internal fluid leakage (slippage) within the pump is known as volumetric losses. The fluid’s viscosity and lubricity characteristics play a major role in determining how much mechanical and volumetric loss occurs in a pump. The graph below displays this. The normal hydraulic pump has an efficiency of 80–90%.
What is one advantage of piston-type hydraulic motors over electric motors?
In the event that the motor stalls, there is no fire risk.
That’s all for this article where we discussed Hydraulic motor vs Electric motor. Hope it was helpful. If so, kindly share. Thanks for reading.
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