Our robot this year is using some pretty beefy pneumatics. Does anyone know what some of the most powerful compressors that can go on our robot this year??
The rule regarding compressors is
AndyMark sells their 1.1 Pump, which is the strongest they sell.
In this topic from a few days ago, someone asked about using the Viair 330C-IG compressor. It claims to have higher flow rates at nearly all pressures and is rated for 100% duty cycle, but weighs 8.25 lbs.
So if the Viair 330C-IG compressor was run @ 12VDC, would it be more powerful than the Andymark 1.1 @ 12VDC and still pass inspection?
Yes. The 12V specs for the 330C-IG are higher than the 1.1 Pump at every pressure level except at 0 psig, and at no level is it above 1.1 CFM (the max allowed). Note that it is 8.25 lbs compared to 3.37 lbs for the 1.1 Pump or 2.4 lbs for the now standard Viair 90C. And this year, the compressor must remain on-board the robot and will be counted towards your robot weight.
I’m still a fan of the Thomas. I’d like to see data on it. We’ve had 90c’s lock up every time we’ve used them.
But there’s also the question as to whether you fill your cylinders from air that’s already aboard, so it doesn’t matter how fast your compressor is.
Can you be more descriptive as to “locking up” and give us some details please?
The old Thomas compressor meets the current rules but it does weigh 4.3 lbs. See Thomas 405ADC38-12.
Relevant: Using a non-KOP compressor
Does it matter if you precompress and have enough tanks?
Well first, according to the robot rules, these tanks can’t be located off-board your robot. Secondly, the OP might concerned about the time to fill up between matches.
I’v seen when the 90C pumps continuously for a few minutes, we’ve had them simply stop compressing. lock up. Guessing the head is too hot and piston friction has exceeded power.
After cooldown, they often work again, but you’re looking at them trying to decide if you can ever trust it again since the motor seems to still work but is probably damaged.
And yes, they’ll lock again after that.
Also note, the last time we put a 90C on a robot was about 2013.
I have never opened a motor on this compressor but what you describe is a typical for a temperature protection device. It is very similar to the snap action breakers we use in that it responds to heat but has a much longer reset time. Most often I have seen these installed in motors near the brush assy. If you ever have a dead compressor and would like to send it to me or if you would like to open it and send pictures, that would be great. Just message me and we will make arrangements.
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Put a muffin fan blowing onto the compressor, you will see a drastic reduction in external body temperature of the compressor. If the compressor is getting hot enough to seize during use, it is likely hot enough to be damaging you pneumatic lines, potentially even melting them, and risking a “blow-out” of you pneumatic system.
edit: Or as Al says above, there likely could be thermal protection built into the compressor to avoid a catastrophic failure.
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If this is an overheating condition leading to a shut down due to a self-protection device, blowing air over the compressor should either stop this behaviour or make the time needed to reach the shutdown temperature much longer. The ability of heatsinks used in electronics goes up 3~4 X when there is a small amount of air moving over them.