Understand The Yacht's Hydraulic Power System
There is quite a variety of equipment installed on modern boats, which makes it difficult for us to imagine how our ancestors conquered the ever-changing sea when sailing, such as the huge rudder handle used to maintain the stability of the ship. This is indeed very hard work! This type of rudder control is the prototype of our current "joystick". Fortunately, modern hydraulic systems even allow us to control the entire boat with just one finger if we want to.
Today, hydraulic devices can be used for bow thrusters, windlasses, stabilizers, and even propeller thrust transmissions. Of course, the most important thing is that these devices are 100% reliable.
The new impetus for yachts today
Hydraulic components
The most basic hydraulic system required for a conventional traditional yacht contains the following components:
A hydraulic pump propelled by the main engine, generator set, or auxiliary engine.
Hydraulic motors and connected equipment are driven by them.
For the convenience of storing and cooling hydraulic fluid, all relevant control components are installed on the top of the tank.
High-pressure oil pipes connect the internal components of the hydraulic system.
"Which hydraulic pump does my engine need?"
To determine this issue, it is necessary to consider the differences in engine specifications of different manufacturers. If the engine or gearbox has a power outlet, then this small hydraulic pump can be directly connected to it through the SAE-B flange. If there is no power outlet, please consider using models with steering and hose connectors.
Hydraulic pump
The power source of the hydraulic pump-hydraulic oil tank
The hydraulic system needs to install a hydraulic oil tank, which is used as a hydraulic oil storage tank on the deck. This oil tank can be used as a buffer tank for hydraulic oil, and at the same time, it cools the hydraulic oil that becomes hot during circulation. The cover of this hydraulic oil tank is used as the basic board for the installation of control elements. These control elements installed on the board are used to operate various hydraulic devices.
The motive force of hydraulic power system-hydraulic motor
The diesel-hydraulic propulsion system includes a hydraulic motor that can provide high power output, that is, the motor rotates at a low speed but has a large torque. The power required to drive this hydraulic motor can be provided by a "power unit" (engine with a hydraulic pump) or a generator set with a hydraulic pump. The flow of hydraulic oil is carried out in proportion, which means that the push shaft can be slowly started and then gradually accelerated.
Hydraulic motor
This hydraulic motor relies on a "power transmission belt" to drive the push shaft. In this case, the power transmission belt includes a V-belt containing four hot types of glue together, thereby forming a complete wide flat belt. This hydraulic motor is mounted on a shelf that can move on the rails by the action of hydraulic cylinders. When not working, the power belt is loosely suspended on the push shaft pulley under the protective cover. When the hydraulic cylinder is working, the power transmission belt will be tensioned on the two pulleys, thus forming a mechanical transmission between the hydraulic motor and the push shaft.
Hydraulic motor components
Unexpected circumstances can still use the hydraulic system with the confidence-hydraulic power steering device
When the auxiliary power system fails, the steering system can still be used, just increase the steering force. The pump body is actually a rotary proportional valve. When the steering wheel is turned, the control valve will open, and the hydraulic oil will directly enter the hydraulic cylinder connected to the rudder under the pressure. The volume of circulating hydraulic oil depends on the type of power pump, the number of revolutions of the steering wheel, and the speed of the steering wheel in operation.
The hydraulic power steering device
The steering gear can be connected to the existing hydraulic system on board. However, if there is no hydraulic system on the ship and only the steering system is needed, then only a small hydraulic tank (capacity of about 20 liters) is needed. This tank contains all the necessary control elements installed on the top. The size of the fuel tank is (length x width x height): 460x300x470mm.
Steering system
It seems that every device contains university questions. Choosing the right hydraulic power system for your love boat is as important as choosing a reliable arm for the yacht. In addition to being cautious, you need to refer to the suggestions of professionals.