The Fluid Power Training system at NDSU allows students to experiment with real-world valves common in most industry applications.
Students at the NDSU Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering have even more access to hands-on training with the addition of a hydraulic trainer.
The Fluid Power Training system allows students to experiment with real-world valves common in most industry applications.
The new test stand incorporates electronic systems controlling and expanding the capabilities of hydraulic systems. State-of-the-art systems use electronics over hydraulics in agricultural and industrial systems as well as automobiles. This new trainer enables student to work with hydraulic circuits incorporating this technology to be better prepared to start their careers after graduation.
Operated by an electric motor, the system includes a selection of hydraulic components to set up various circuits to see how different hydraulic connections function, as well as the ability to troubleshoot hydraulic systems.
The speed of the motor can be adjusted with a joystick on the controller.
The system is being used in ABEN 479/679 - Fluid Power Systems Design, a class for ABEN and mechanical engineering students taught by Thomas Bon, an emeritus associate professor of practice.
The $37,000 mobile hydraulic trainer was obtained in the fall semester to add to other hydraulic systems. A gift to the ABEN department and funding from the mechanical engineering department allowed for the purchase of the new hydraulic trainer.
This system has more electrical components, Bonn said, which replicates what is being used in newer equipment.
Having hands-on training is valuable in the classroom, he said.
“It shows them that what I’m telling them in class is real. It’s not just theory. The more different ways you try to engage people, the better. They can look at how items work, so they can come up with variations and modifications when they start facing problems working for a company,” Bonn said. “It’s entirely different when you start doing it yourself rather than reading about it or just imagining it.”
