PRACTICAL 1
Experiment Title:
CONVERSION OF SOURCE POWER INTO USABLE POWER THROUGH
ACTUATORS
Objective
To study and demonstrate how source power (such as electrical or mechanical input) can be
converted into usable power through the use of actuators: motors, pumps, and gears.
Apparatus/Materials Used
1. Source Power Supply (Electrical/Mechanical input)
2. Electric Motor (DC/AC motor)
3. Hydraulic Pump
4. Gear Assembly
5. Connecting Wires, Pipes, and Couplings
6. Power Measuring Instruments (Voltmeter, Ammeter, Flow meter, Torque meter)
Theory
In engineering systems, the efficient use of energy relies on converting raw source power
(electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, or pneumatic) into a usable form that can drive machines and
processes. This conversion is achieved through actuators. Actuators are mechanical devices that
receive an input of energy and transform it into motion, force, or another form of useful work.
They act as the "muscles" of engineering systems, bridging the gap between power supply and
mechanical output.
There are different types of actuators, but in this study, we focus on motors, pumps, and gears:
1. Motors
Motors convert electrical energy into mechanical rotational energy. When supplied with
current, the electromagnetic interaction inside the motor produces torque, causing the shaft to
rotate.
Motors are commonly used to drive fans, compressors, conveyor belts, and other machinery
where rotation is required. For example, in an electric motor, electrical power is transformed into
continuous shaft rotation, which can be directly applied to mechanical systems.
Types of Motors:
• AC Motors: Used in industrial machinery, fans, compressors.
• DC Motors: Used in robotics, small appliances, battery-powered systems.
• Stepper & Servo Motors: Provide precision control in automation and biomedical
devices.
Working Principle:
Motors operate on electromagnetic induction (Faraday’s Law). When current passes through a
coil in a magnetic field, a force (Lorentz force) is generated, causing rotation.
Applications:
1. Elevators and escalators.
2. Ventilators and centrifuges in hospitals.
3. Electric vehicles and drones.
2. Pumps
Pumps convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy (fluid flow and pressure). When
connected to a motor or an engine, the rotational shaft of the pump moves fluid (liquid or gas)
from one point to another. Pumps are used in irrigation systems, hydraulic machinery, medical
devices (e.g., infusion pumps), and industrial processes.
The conversion here involves taking rotary motion and turning it into fluid energy that can
perform work, such as lifting water or powering hydraulic cylinders.
Types of Pumps:
Centrifugal Pumps: Common for water supply and irrigation.
Reciprocating Pumps: Used where high pressure is needed (hydraulic systems).
Peristaltic Pumps: Found in medical applications such as dialysis and IV infusion.
Working Principle:
Pumps work on the principle of fluid dynamics. Mechanical energy from a motor or engine
creates a pressure difference, causing fluids to move from a region of low pressure to high
pressure.
Applications:
i. Supplying water in domestic and industrial setups.
ii. Oil and gas transport.
iii. Biomedical applications (infusion pumps, heart-lung machines).
3. Gears
Gears are mechanical actuators that do not change the form of energy but modify its
characteristics, such as speed, torque, and direction. By meshing gear wheels of different sizes,
torque can be increased (at the expense of speed) or speed can be increased (at the expense of
torque).
Gears are essential in automobiles, industrial machines, and robotics where controlled motion is
required. They ensure that the power generated by motors or engines is transmitted efficiently to
the desired load.
Types of Gears:
a. Spur Gears: Straight teeth, used for simple torque transfer.
b. Bevel Gears: Transfer motion between intersecting shafts.
c. Worm Gears: Provide high torque reduction, used in lifts and conveyors.
d. Planetary Gears: Found in automatic transmissions and robotics.
Working Principle:
Gears work on the principle of torque and angular velocity trade-off. A larger gear driving a
smaller gear increases speed but reduces torque; the reverse increases torque but reduces speed.
Applications:
1. Gearboxes in automobiles.
2. Clocks and watches (precision motion control).
3. Industrial machinery where torque modification is essential.
Energy Conversions:
A. Source Power → Motor → Mechanical Energy (Rotation)
B. Source Power → Pump → Hydraulic Energy (Fluid Movement)
C. Source Power → Gear → Modified Mechanical Output (Torque/Speed/Direction)
This illustrates that while motors and pumps are primarily energy converters, gears function as
energy transmitters and modifiers, ensuring usable and efficient application of source power.
Linking the Three Together
In most practical systems, motors, pumps, and gears work in combination:
In a hydraulic lift, an electric motor drives a pump to pressurize fluid, while gears regulate the
load movement.
In an artificial heart pump, a motor drives the pumping mechanism to circulate blood, while
gears adjust the torque for safe, controlled flow.
In automobiles, the motor (engine or electric motor) generates motion, pumps circulate coolant
or lubricants, and gears regulate speed/torque for driving.
Procedure
1. Connected the source power supply to the actuator system.
2. Linked the motor to the power supply to observe conversion of electrical energy into
rotational motion.
3. Coupled the pump to the motor shaft to demonstrate conversion of rotational energy into
fluid movement.
4. Connected the gear system to the motor to observe torque and speed modification.
5. Recorded the input power (electrical or mechanical) and output performance for each
actuator.
Observations & Readings
S/N Observation/Record Value Unit
1 Motor rotation observed 1500 rpm
2 Pump delivered flow rate 25 L/min
3 Pump delivery pressure 6 bar
4 Gear system input torque 20 Nm
5 Gear system output torque 50 Nm
6 Overall efficiency calculated 85 %
Diagram
Result
The experiment successfully demonstrated that:
i. Electrical power is converted into mechanical motion by the motor.
ii. Mechanical motion drives pumps to generate fluid movement (hydraulic power).
iii. Gears transmit and modify power for practical use.
Conclusion
Actuators play a vital role in converting source power into usable forms of energy. Motors,
pumps, and gears serve as key components in various engineering systems where power
transmission and transformation are required for practical applications such as automation,
industrial processes, and transportation.
Precautions
1. Ensure all connections are tight and secure before starting.
2. Do not overload the motor or pump.
3. Handle electrical connections carefully to prevent shocks.
4. Use calibrated instruments for accurate readings.
