Power Cube Modularity
To further modularity of Power Cubes exploration of breaking them into an engine cube and hydraulic cube is desirable. The previous yet unbuilt design of Power Cube v17.11 includes a large cube frame with both an engine module and tank. The auxiliary cube to this is Power Cube v18.01, which includes an engine module and cooler.
Good design goals for splitting the hydraulics and engine-pump modules into separate cubes can be simplifying plumbing, cooling, reducing weight for ease of handling and more efficient use of sheet metal/frame materials.
The hydraulic cube will need space for:
- Fluid Tank with cap
- Fluid ports and valves
- Filter
- Cooler(s)
- Hose attachments
- Fan(s)
- Batteries
- Electrical wiring and connections
The engine cube will need space for:
- Engine
- pump and couplers
- access for maintenance
Solutions are needed for active cooling being in the hydraulic cube as well as electrical for powering the fan(s). Each engine without electric start can provide ~2A max to charge a battery.
- Is a larger cooling area more cost-effective than a fan?
- Can coolers be stacked with a fan?
- Is it viable to connect two coolers at right angles via elbows?
- Are multiple smaller coolers more effective than one or two large coolers?
New versions of the power cube to be created based on these changes will depend on current priorities.
Power Cube v19.02
Power Cube v19.03?