Test bench for testing hydraulic pumps and motors

Abstract

Test benches are useful, for example, for testing the operation of new or repaired pumps and motors. Current test benches involve directly driving the test pump with an electric motor, the horsepower of which must at least equal the horsepower rating of the test pump. The subject test bench utilizes an electric motor to drive a variable displacement pressure compensated pump. The discharge fluid from the pump drives a variable displacement hydraulic motor which in turn drives the test pump. The discharge fluid from the test pump is also directed to the hydraulic motor to add additional driving energy thereto in a regenerative manner. Thus, pumps having a higher horsepower rating several times greater than the horsepower rating of the electric motor can be effectively tested at their maximum rated displacement and pressure settings. The electric motor also drives another variable displacement pressure compensated pump, the discharge flow of which is directed to a test motor. The test motor in turn drives the variable displacement motor which thus functions as a pump to direct pressurized fluid to the variable displacement pump, which in turn functions as a motor to add additional power to the variable displacement pump through the electric motor in a regenerative manner. Thus, motors having a higher horsepower rating than the horsepower of the electric motor can also be tested on the same test bench.