Power Cube 6

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• Article Title: Power Cube 6

PowerCube VI

Update: creating 50hp version with Air-Cooled Engine - see 50 hp Power Cube Calculations.

Overview and CAD

Download Sketchup File - File:PcVI.skp.gz

Check out Control Panel for Power Cube 6 - File:PcVIcontrol.skp

Build History: See Prototypes Built and Cost

The Power Cube is a modular, universal, self-contained power unit consisting of an engine coupled to a hydraulic pump, providing power from hydraulic fluid at high pressure through quick connect hoses. It is designed to function as a modular and interchangeable power supply for GVCS technologies.

A lot was learned in the assembly of Power Cube 5. Power Cube 6 incorporates several enhancements to increase power output, reduce weight, reduce cost and improve maintainability.

Documentation: YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/thomasgriffing?feature=results_main

Improvements / updates in Prototype VI

• Mitered Frame - a true 27" cube employs the tanks as structural members
• Gas tank same as hydraulic reservoir - better use of the 6 x 12 tubing and 7 gallon fuel tank
• Improved engine mounting - on plate suspended between tanks and with vibration mounts
• Clustered controls and connections
• Oil cooler with thermally controlled fan
• Utilizes matching electrical connectors to simplify and enhance connections
• Commercial muffler
• Hoist points
• Sight gauge / thermometer on hydraulic reservoir
• Pump costs less, yet has larger 3/4" 11 tooth spline shaft: 9-4848-E 0.98 cu in HYDRECO HMP3 162025A2 HYD $105.99
• There has also been some discussion about adding a pressure relief valve, but I haven't added it so far.*
• latest Sketchup drawing (Note: it is "gzipped" as the original is rather large)

Features

• Mitered frame yields 27" cube without overlapping joints
• Symmetric oil & fuel tanks - 7 gallons each
• Engine plate suspended between tanks with vibration mounts
• Clustered control panel with input/output and controls
• Thermal fan switch
• Universal key switch with matching harness simplify and enhance wiring
• Matching engine connector and connectors for fan
• Bracket for solenoid also mounts fan relay
• Briggs & Stratton muffler & 45 degree tailpipe extension
• Standard fuel filler neck
• Plumbing uses 3 sizes hose to facilitate flow: 1/2" supply, 3/4" return and 1" suction
• Hydreco pump with 3/4" spline shaft
• Solid coupling matches engine and pump
• Strong engine/pump mount

Build

Update Sep 17, 2012

Marcin;

I am almost done building another V6 Power Cube and am starting to do some documentation. Here is the video of putting together the shaft coupling:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDALEaHXt1g

I'll post other videos on my YouTube channel:

http://www.youtube.com/user/thomasgriffing

On this one, I've repositioned the battery and fuel filler cap. I also added a 2" extension and a 90 degree elbow for the suction hose barb to minimize bending in the suction hose.

Ordering the "generic" engines from SmallEngineSuppliers.com, they aren't all exactly alike. Some are taller than others, this one has a 1" shaft and not a 1 1/8" shaft (like the other two they sent).

Solution

Ultimately, make steam-powered engines all the same. How's this going, anyway? Until then, either buy all engines exactly the same or make the designs adaptable. I choose to adapt. The engines aren't dramatically different and do not require significant changes. Going forward, I'd like to implement a shaft coupling that is more universal.

Note also that this time around, I bought the commercial muffler for the engine and the current Sketchup positions the mounting bracket 4" behind the front of the tanks, making the muffler stick out from the frame about 1/8". I'll have to move it forward to accommodate. I'd also like to lower the engine about 1/2".

Also: The throttle control works opposite from what one would expect ("up" position = slow, "down" position = fast). It can be reversed by moving the cable to the opposite side on back of the engine, but I couldn't get it mounted with the muffler in place - I had to position it with "opposite" controls. At some point, I'd like to replace the throttle control with an arduino controller and a servo and use a cable to provide power and data connections. Data like throttle control, temperatures, RPM, fluid levels, etc.

Documents

Fabrication procedure:

File:Fab procedure.odp

Details

The Power Cube was designed in accordance with OSE Specifications for maximum utility. The Power Cube features...

• Modularity - String multiple power cubes together for increased hydraulic power.
• Flexibility - Quick Connect hoses and Quick Attach Plate enable extreme flexibility to place power wherever it is needed.
• Ease of Repair - All engine components are easily accessible and fast to replace/repair with off-the-shelf parts or locally produced equipment.

Product Ecology

Power Cube Product Ecology

The current iteration of the power cube is an off-the-shelf gasoline engine, but the design is intended to be as power source agnostic as possible so that the power production can be readily changed. There will likely be many variations on the power cube design, but all fitting inside a similar size profile so that a GVCS machine can readily swap out one Power Cube for another.

Product Ecology
[[Image:Power Cube{{#ifexist:File:Power Cube.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Power Cube|link=Power Cube]] Power Cube

From	Uses	Creates	Enables
Gasoline Biodiesel [[Image:Steam Engine{{#ifexist:File:Steam Engine.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Steam Engine|link=Steam Engine]] Steam Engine [[Image:Steam Generator{{#ifexist:File:Steam Generator.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Steam Generator|link=Steam Generator]] Steam Generator [[Image:Gasifier Burner{{#ifexist:File:Gasifier Burner.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Gasifier Burner|link=Gasifier Burner]] Gasifier Burner [[Image:Pelletizer{{#ifexist:File:Pelletizer.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Pelletizer|link=Pelletizer]] Pelletizer Components Frame Engine Coupler Metal Hydraulic Tank Gas Tank Hydraulic Pump Hydraulic Hoses	Biofuel Biomass Tractor QA Plate	Power Hydraulic	[[Image:Tractor{{#ifexist:File:Tractor.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Tractor|link=Tractor]] Tractor [[Image:CEB Press{{#ifexist:File:CEB Press.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|CEB Press|link=CEB Press]] CEB Press [[Image:Bulldozer{{#ifexist:File:Bulldozer.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Bulldozer|link=Bulldozer]] Bulldozer [[Image:Microtractor{{#ifexist:File:Microtractor.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Microtractor|link=Microtractor]] Microtractor [[Image:Bulldozer{{#ifexist:File:Bulldozer.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Bulldozer|link=Bulldozer]] Bulldozer [[Image:Car{{#ifexist:File:Car.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Car|link=Car]] Car [[Image:Truck{{#ifexist:File:Truck.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Truck|link=Truck]] Truck [[Image:Chipper Hammermill{{#ifexist:File:Chipper Hammermill.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Chipper Hammermill|link=Chipper Hammermill]] Chipper Hammermill [[Image:Drill Press{{#ifexist:File:Drill Press.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Drill Press|link=Drill Press]] Drill Press [[Image:Multimachine{{#ifexist:File:Multimachine.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Multimachine|link=Multimachine]] Multimachine [[Image:Welder{{#ifexist:File:Welder.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Welder|link=Welder]] Welder [[Image:Ironworker{{#ifexist:File:Ironworker.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Ironworker|link=Ironworker]] Ironworker [[Image:Sawmill{{#ifexist:File:Sawmill.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Sawmill|link=Sawmill]] Sawmill [[Image:Induction Furnace{{#ifexist:File:Induction Furnace.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|Induction Furnace|link=Induction Furnace]] Induction Furnace [[Image:CNC Torch Table{{#ifexist:File:CNC Torch Table.png|.png|.jpg}}|50px|CNC Torch Table|link=CNC Torch Table]] CNC Torch Table

Video (Older Power Cube Designs)

• Introduction to the Power Cube Design (1 min 59 sec)
• Power Cube Complete (5 min 6 sec)
• Power Cube (3 min 30 sec)
• Build Instructions (50 min 27 sec)

Development Status

Currently, the Power Cube is on its fourth prototype. We are in need of CAD support to digitize the latest design. Those with relevant experience in (Sketchup, Solidworks, Inventor, etc...) are encouraged to Contact Us.

See Also

• Announcement blog post

[[Global Village Construction Set{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Global Village Construction Set/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: The Global Village Construction Set|The Global Village Construction Set|Global Village Construction Set}}]]
Habitat	[[CEB_Press{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:CEB_Press/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: CEB Press|CEB Press|CEB_Press}}]]	[[Cement Mixer{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Cement Mixer/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Cement Mixer}}]]	[[Sawmill{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Sawmill/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Sawmill}}]]	[[Bulldozer{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Bulldozer/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Bulldozer}}]]	[[Backhoe{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Backhoe/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Backhoe}}]]
Agriculture	[[LifeTrac{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:LifeTrac/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Tractor|Tractor|LifeTrac}}]]	Seeder	Hay Rake	[[Well-Drilling Rig{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Well-Drilling Rig/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Well-Drilling Rig}}]]
	[[MicroTrac{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:MicroTrac/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Microtractor|Microtractor|MicroTrac}}]]	[[Soil Pulverizer{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Soil Pulverizer/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Soil Pulverizer}}]]	[[Spader{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Spader/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Spader}}]]	Hay Cutter	Trencher
	[[Bakery_Oven{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Bakery_Oven/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Bakery Oven|Bakery Oven|Bakery_Oven}}]]	Dairy Milker	[[Microcombine{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Microcombine/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Microcombine|Microcombine|Microcombine}}]]	[[Baler{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Baler/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Baler}}]]
Industry	[[Multimachine{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Multimachine/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Multimachine}}]]	[[Ironworker{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Ironworker/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Ironworker|Ironworker|Ironworker}}]]	Laser Cutter	Welder	[[Plasma Cutter{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Plasma Cutter/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Plasma Cutter|Plasma Cutter|Plasma Cutter}}]]
	CNC Torch Table	[[Metal Roller{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Metal Roller/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Metal Roller}}]]	Rod and Wire Mill	Press Forge	[[Universal Rotor{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Universal Rotor/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Universal Rotor}}]]
	3D Printer	[[3D Scanner{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:3D Scanner/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|3D Scanner}}]]	[[CNC Circuit Mill{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:CNC Circuit Mill/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|CNC Circuit Mill}}]]	Industrial Robot	[[Chipper Hammermill{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Chipper Hammermill/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Chipper Hammermill|Chipper Hammermill|Chipper Hammermill}}]]
	[[Drill Press{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Drill Press/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Drill Press}}]]	[[Induction Furnace{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Induction Furnace/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Induction Furnace|Induction Furnace|Induction Furnace}}]]
Energy	[[Power Cube{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Power Cube/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Power Cube}}]]	Gasifier Burner	Solar Concentrator	[[Electric Motor Generator{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Electric Motor Generator/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Electric Motor Generator|Electric Motor Generator|Electric Motor Generator}}]]	[[Hydraulic Motor{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Hydraulic Motor/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Hydraulic Motor}}]]
	Steam Engine	[[Heat Exchanger{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Heat Exchanger/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Heat Exchanger}}]]	[[Wind Turbine{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Wind Turbine/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Wind Turbine|Wind Turbine|Wind Turbine}}]]	Pelletizer	[[Universal Power Supply{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Universal Power Supply/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Universal Power Supply}}]]
	[[Nickel-Iron Battery{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Nickel-Iron Battery/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: |{{{2}}}|Nickel-Iron Battery}}]]
Materials	[[Aluminum Extractor{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Aluminum Extractor/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Aluminum Extractor|Aluminum Extractor|Aluminum Extractor}}]]	Bioplastic Extruder
Transportation	[[Open Source Car{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Open Source Car/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Car|Car|Open Source Car}}]]	[[Open Source Truck{{#if: Power Cube 6|{{#ifexist:Open Source Truck/Power Cube 6|/Power Cube 6|}}|}}|{{#if: Truck|Truck|Open Source Truck}}]]
Key	Design	Planning	Prototype	Almost done	Full Release