Universal Fluid Power Trainer (UFPT) The UFPT is a modular, smart and unique fluid power and motion control training unit. It contains an excellent integration of industrial-graded hardware and builtin software licenses to help teaching and demonstrating the fluid power technology through the following steps: 1 Circuit Design and Component Selection 2 Functional Animation 3 Mathematical Modeling 4 Performance Simulation 5 Prototyping with Hardware-in-the- Loop 6 Performance Analysis and Data Acquisition 1
Main Working Unit Q1: Why it is called Universal? The integrated hardware and software offer universal experimental capabilities to demonstrate fluid power and motion control technology. The following are the general features: Covered disciplines: Hydraulics, electro-hydraulic, pneumatic, electro-pneumatic and motion control. Training contents: Basic to advanced level, standard and tailored courses for industrial and mobile applications. Control Mode: Manual, PC-based and PLC-base control Controlled Axis: Linear and rotational axis. Controlled Parameters: Position (linear angular) - Flow/velocity (linear angular) - Pressure/Force/Torque. Data Acquisition: Digital switches (position pressure - level) and Analog transducers (pressure flow rpm torque) Frame: Transportable frame, wheeled on industrial casters and one frame for all components. Components are industrial-graded and connected by ISO interchange quick-disconnects. 2
Main Working Unit Storage Cabinet Q2: What is meant by the term Modular? UFPT consists of main working unit and a storage cabinet. The storage cabinet contains different groups of components based on the needs of every client. The unit has been designed flexibly to accept any future upgrades. 3
Main Working Unit Storage Cabinet Q3: Why UFPT considered Smart? Interactive Lab Manual: Self guided experimental instructions. HMI & Touch Screen: Human-machine interface with windows-based operating system. Power Access: Separate access to hydraulic power and pneumatic power. Software: Machine loaded by latest version of Matlab-Simulink and Automation Studio. Electro-hydraulic Variable Pump: Flexible pump control mode of the user s choice. Critical Conditions Monitoring: Pump cavitation, reduced oil level and filter clogging. Built-in Printer: In-field printing capabilities. Internet access: Wireless internet access. Smart Maintenance: Full Documentation. Troubleshooting and sub-systems test wizard. Mobilized: Easy crating and shipping in a custom protective crates. 4
Q4: What makes this unit Unique? Custom Crate for Main Working Unit The following are the key features that make this unit is a unique training unit as compared to what are available in the market: Software-Hardware Integration: UFPT contains built-in latest modeling and simulation software licenses, e.g. Automation Studio and Matlab-Simulink with real time window workshop and control tool box for system prototyping with hardware-in-the-loop. Power Supply: Electro-hydraulic controlled variable displacement pump in addition to air compressor for pneumatic systems. Pump controller is accessible manually and electronically to vary the pump control mode. Data Acquisition: The loaded software, feedback utilities and data acquisition capabilities make UFPT usable for research work within its power level. Modularity: It has been designed on a modular bases so that it accepts future upgrades. Brand-nonbiased: Most of the training units available in the market are built by fluid power components manufacturers to promote their products. UFPT s modules and components have been selected on the base of technology training rather than specific product or brand training. Compactness and Mobilization: UFPT has been designed to accommodate four students. It has been dimensioned to pass through the standard doors. Robust machine frame and wheeled on industrial casters. Easy crating and shipping for off-campus use. Plug and Play: it does not need special electrical arrangement. 120 Volt and 20 Amp separate circuit is required, so that it can bee plugged to the standard wall power outlet. 5
Q5: What are the data acquisition capabilities available in the machine? 1. Hydraulic/Pneumatic/DC power supply separate access. 2. Critical condition monitoring. 3. Two configurable analog outputs. 4. Pump max flow and max pressure manually or remote adjustment. 5. Proportional and servo valve spool position manually and remote adjustment. 6. Three digital inputs for pressure and proximity switches. 7. Two digital outputs for ON/OFF valves. 8. System info monitoring. Cylinders position, motor rpm, pump flow, pump pressure, oil temperature. 9. Six analog inputs. 10. Two 7-pin sockets for proportional and servo valves. 1 2 3 4 5 8 6 7 9 10 Q6: What if the technology changed in the future? The modular design of the machine makes it adaptable for future upgrade. The following key points make the unit good for consecutive generations: The selected hardware-software integration is the state-of-the-art. Most of the components are not permanently mounted on the working unit so that it will be easy to replace if it became obsolete. The machine is designed for PC-based control concept so that it can be continuously updated by the latest software versions. All electrical connections and cables are built based on the industrial grades. We will inform our clients about future software and hardware upgrades. Q7: What if same unit is required but with higher power? Our experts are open to propose various designs of test stands with various power ratings. 6
Q8: What are the types of experiments that can be performed on the machine? Shown below list is a sample of documented experiments. Every instructor is free to use his creativity to develop experiments beyond the presented list. Lab # Lab01 Lab02 Lab03 Lab04 Lab05 Lab06 Lab07 Lab08 Lab09 Lab10 Lab11 Lab12 Lab13 Lab14 Lab15 Lab16 Lab17 Lab18 Lab19 Lab20 Lab21 Lab22 Lab23 Lab24 Lab25 Lab26 Lab27 Lab28 Lab29 Lab30 Lab31 Lab Name Introduction to Hydraulic Systems Energy Losses in a Hydraulic System Power Distribution in a Hydraulic System Valve Coefficient Development Motion Control of Hydraulic Cylinder Control of Overrunning (Vertical) loads Speed Control of a Hydraulic Cylinder Boosting Speed of a Hydraulic Cylinder Sequence Control Hydraulic System Modeling and Simulation Pump Static Characteristic Measuring Pump Step Response Measuring Hydraulic Motor U-n Static Characteristics Identify Hydraulic Motor Dynamics Identify Horizontal Cylinder Dynamics Proportional Valve Flow Gain Measuring Servo Valve Flow Gain Measuring EH Position Controlled Hydraulic Cylinder Step Response EH Position Controlled Hydraulic Cylinder Frequency Response EH Speed Controlled Hydraulic Motor Step Response EH Speed Controlled Hydraulic Motor Frequency Response Electro-Hydraulic Components and Systems Cylinder Extension upon Pressing a Push-Button Signal Storage by Electrical Self-Locking Drive a Hydraulic Actuator by Latching Circuit Position-Dependent Cylinder Deceleration Pressure-Dependent Cylinder Reversal Event-Dependent Warning Circuit Cylinder Motion Control Performance using Switching Valve versus Proportional Valve Cylinder Motion Control Performance using Servo Valve versus Proportional Valve Digital Control of EH Variable Displacement Pumps Digital Control of a Hydraulic Cylinder Position Pressure AND/OR Position-Dependent Sequence Control Analog/Digital Time-Dependent Sequence Control 7
Animate it Practice it Simulate it 8