A hydraulic station, also known as a hydraulic power unit, is a machine that generates hydraulic power to control different hydraulic machines, including hydraulic cylinders, valves, and motors. The hydraulic power unit comprises of various components such as hydraulic pump, hydraulic motor, reservoir, valves, filters, and heat exchanger. These components work in conjunction to provide the hydraulic system with the required pressure, flow rate, and temperature.

The hydraulic station has several applications in various industries, including aerospace, agriculture, construction, automotive, and mining. In this article, we will discuss the different components of a hydraulic station, their functions, applications, and maintenance practices.

Components of Hydraulic Station:

Reservoir:
The reservoir is a container that holds the hydraulic fluid. It is designed to provide adequate space to accommodate the hydraulic fluid displaced by the hydraulic cylinder. It also serves as a cooling device, which dissipates heat generated by the hydraulic system.

Hydraulic Pump:
The hydraulic pump converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy by pressurizing the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic pump can be classified into two types; positive displacement pumps and dynamic pumps. Positive displacement pumps, such as gear pumps, piston pumps, and vane pumps, deliver a fixed amount of fluid per rotation. On the other hand, dynamic pumps, such as centrifugal pumps, deliver a variable amount of fluid depending on the pump speed.

Hydraulic Motor:
The hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy into mechanical energy by rotating the output shaft. The hydraulic motor is similar to the hydraulic pump, but it operates in reverse. The hydraulic motor can be classified into two types; fixed displacement motors and variable displacement motors. Fixed displacement motors, such as gear motors, deliver a fixed amount of torque per revolution. On the other hand, variable displacement motors, such as axial piston motors, deliver variable torque depending on the displacement.

Valves:
The valves control the direction, pressure, and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid. The valves can be classified into two types; directional control valves and pressure control valves. The directional control valves control the direction of the hydraulic fluid flow, while the pressure control valves control the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

Filters:
The filters remove impurities, contaminants, and particles from the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic fluid must be clean to prevent damage to the hydraulic system components, including the pump, motor, valves, and cylinders.

Heat Exchanger:
The heat exchanger dissipates heat generated by the hydraulic system. The heat exchanger can be classified into two types; air-cooled heat exchangers and water-cooled heat exchangers. Air-cooled heat exchangers use air as the cooling medium, while water-cooled heat exchangers use water as the cooling medium.

Functions of Hydraulic Station:

The hydraulic station performs various functions, including:

Generating hydraulic power:
The hydraulic station generates hydraulic power by pressurizing the hydraulic fluid. The hydraulic power generated is used to control different hydraulic machines, including hydraulic cylinders, valves, and motors.

Controlling the direction, pressure, and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid:
The hydraulic station controls the direction, pressure, and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid by using different types of valves. The directional control valves control the direction of the hydraulic fluid flow, while the pressure control valves control the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

Dissipating heat:
The hydraulic station dissipates heat generated by the hydraulic system using a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger can be classified into two types; air-cooled heat exchangers and water-cooled heat exchangers.