Is a hydraulic system a form of a power source?

Question

I have a Hydraulics final coming up and this question gets me "Is a hydraulic system a form of a power source?" I think the answer is no, but I am not sure.

I remember someone saying that it wasn't but I would think it is. Not 100% sure but if I had to guess on a test it would be yes, because its the whole system. But if it was pump instead of hydraulic system, then the answer would be no, because a pump creates flow.

Answer 1

Hydraulic power is not a power source. There is no energy storage in a hydraulic system. Power sources like batteries with electric motors or an internal combustion engine with a gas tank are power sources because they can store energy for use at a later time.

The great thing about hydraulics is the very high power density (lots of power in a small space) and the flexibility in having both linear and rotary actuators. The main drawback (at least for me working in robotics) is the need for a real-time continuous power input to run the system.

Answer 2

Err.. lets review the basic of hydraullics. It is the translation of pressure from point A to point B in general. And hence, from the area, one can calculate the force exerted.

Meaning to say, Hydraullic is a RESULTS from a source of energy, and it can't work by itself if there is no force acted on the other side.

Well, you answer should be no. It cannot creates power. Generally, power source can be like wind, water flow, gas, fuel, nuclear etc.

Answer 3

No it is not a power source. The motor operating the hydraulic pump is the source of work in the system, but it too is not a power source.....

Answer 4

Yes

Answer 5

Do hydro-electric power, water wheel mills, or windmills ring any bells? How about tidal generators?

Answer 6

hydroelectric power should help you.