ELECTROMAGNETIC CRANE

WITH HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM

DC and AC Machinery
(EE233)

Submitted by:
Lobrido, Jade S.
Revicente, Lovely D.
BSME 2B

Submitted to:
Engr. Arnel Villanueva
Introduction:
In the busy world of industrial innovation and technology, imagine a crane that
effortlessly lifts objects using magnets that can be turned on and off at will, combined with
precise hydraulic controls. This is the electromagnetic crane with a hydraulic control system—a
powerful invention combining electromagnetism and fluid power.
At the heart of this invention lies the electromagnet, which is formed by wrapping a
conductor around an iron core through which current flows. The strength of the electromagnet
depends on the amount of current passing through the conductor. The magnetic field of an
electromagnet only exists when a current flows through it (Britannica, 2024). This principle is
utilized for moving heavy objects in scrap yards. When electricity is supplied to the circuit, the
electromagnets become energized, attracting scrap metal such as junk cars, and transporting them
to a specified location. Upon reaching the desired location, the electricity is disconnected, de-
energizing the electromagnet and causing the scrap metal to detach from it (Brain et al., 2023).
An electromagnet, simply put, transforms electrical energy into magnetic force, enabling
the crane to securely lift and transport metal objects. This technological synergy between
electromagnetism and hydraulics not only enhances efficiency but also reevaluates the potential
of modern material handling.

Principle:
Electromagnetic cranes rely on the principle of electromagnetism. It is based on the
relationship between electric currents and magnetic fields. When an electric current flows
through a coiled wire, it produces a magnetic field. The strength of this field is adjustable by
controlling the amount of current passing through the coil. This phenomenon was first
discovered by Hans Christian Oersted in 1820, who observed that a compass needle moved when
placed near a current-carrying wire, indicating the presence of a magnetic field (Electricity-
Magnetism, 2023).
This magnetic field can be harnessed to create electromagnets by winding a coil of wire
around a core, typically made of ferromagnetic material like iron. When an electric current is
passed through the coil, it generates a magnetic field that magnetizes the core, turning it into a
powerful magnet. The strength of this electromagnet depends on factors such as the amount of
current, the number of turns in the coil, and the properties of the core material (Storr, 2023).
Electromagnets can switch their magnetism on and off with the current, making them
highly versatile for applications in various devices, including cranes, motors, transformers, and
relays. In an electromagnetic crane, for example, the electromagnet can be turned on to pick up
metallic objects and turned off to release them, providing a controlled and efficient means of
material handling (Ecoben et al., 2019).
For the hydraulic control system, the fundamental principle is straightforward: applying
pressure to a fluid body results in equal transmission of force in all directions. This force acts
perpendicular to any surface in contact with the fluid, a principle commonly referred to as
Pascal’s Law (Sphaera Training Systems, n.d.). Pascal's Law states that any increase in pressure
applied to an incompressible fluid within a closed container is uniformly transmitted to all points
within that container. This principle ensures that the pressure remains constant throughout the
fluid, while the force exerted depends on the surface area. In practical terms, hydraulic systems
exemplify Pascal's Law: when pressure is applied to one piston, an equivalent pressure increase
occurs in another piston within the system. This is crucial in industries such as construction,
automotive engineering, and manufacturing, where hydraulic systems enable precise control and
efficient utilization of fluid pressure (Effra-hume, 2023).
Functionality:
An electromagnetic crane with hydraulic controls combines the principles of
electromagnetism and hydraulic systems to lift and maneuver objects. The crane features an
electromagnet at the end of the arm. When the switch is turned on, the electric current will pass
through the coil of the electromagnet, it generates a magnetic field, magnetizing the core and
allowing it to attract and hold ferrous objects.
The crane’s movement and control are powered by a hydraulic system. Hydraulic pumps,
which are the syringes fixed to the base, generate pressure, which is transmitted through the
hydraulic tube, which in turn pushes or pulls the other syringes. This pressure is used to operate
the crane’s various functions, such as rotating the base, as well as extending or retracting the
arm.

Materials:
Item No. Description Quantity Unit
1 Copper Wire (22 AWG) 16 m
2 Copper Wire (18AWG) 1 m
3 Iron Core 1 pc
4 DC Power Supply (9V) 1 pc
5 Switch 1 pc
6 Hydraulic Syringe (5mL) 6 pc
7 Hydraulic Tube 1 m
8 Popsicle Stick 20 pc
9 Screw 6 pc
10 Insulation Tape 1 roll
11 LED Light 1 pc
12 Cardboard 25 in^2
13 Glue Stick 2 pc

Procedure:
 Construction of the Electromagnet
First, take an iron core, such as a nail or bolt, and wind copper wire around it to form
tight, even coils. Aim for around 100 turns or more to generate a strong magnetic field.
Secure the ends of the wire with insulation tape to prevent them from unwinding, and
attach the 18 AWG wire to facilitate connection to a power supply.
 Set Up the Hydraulic System
Assemble six syringes into three pairs by connecting them with hydraulic tubing to
ensure airtight seals between the nozzles. Fill each pair with hydraulic fluid like water to
prevent air bubbles. Secure three syringes to a cardboard base using hot glue to act as
hydraulic pumps, ensuring they're positioned for easy operation. Attach each pump
syringe's pair to the crane arms and the base of the crane frame to facilitate movement.
Test the system by operating the pump syringes to extend and retract the crane arms,
checking for smooth operation, and adjusting tubing connections if needed for proper
fluid flow and seal integrity.
  Building the Crane Frame
Use the popsicle sticks and screw to form the base and structure of the crane. After
assembling a simple base and structure of the crane, mount the electromagnet securely on
the end of the crane arm, ensuring it is properly positioned to lift objects. Integrate the
hydraulic system into the frame, connecting the hydraulic syringes to the crane arms and
base to control their movement.
 Electrical Setup
Connect the electromagnet’s connectors to the 9V power supply. Add a switch and LED
light to the positive connection of the battery before the electromagnet. Use insulation
tape to secure and insulate all electrical connections, preventing short circuits and
ensuring safe operation.
 Testing
Test the system by powering on the DC power supply to activate the electromagnet. Use
the hydraulic pump syringes to operate the crane arms and base, moving the arms up and
down and the base left and right. Test the crane by lifting small ferrous objects to ensure
that the electromagnet can hold and release them as intended.

Calculations:
Documentation:

Copper Wire 9V Battery 9V Battery

References:
Basic hydraulic principles. (n.d.). Sphaera Training
Systems. https://www.sphaera.co.uk/hydraulicPrinciples.htm
Brain, M., Pollette, C., & Simon, Y. (2023, July 18). How electromagnets work.
HowStuffWorks. https://science.howstuffworks.com/electromagnet.htm
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2024, July 2). electromagnet. Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/science/electromagnet
Ecoben, M., Guizo, G., & Ruaza, T. (2019, October). HYDRAULIC-POWERED-CRANE-WITH-
ELECTROMAGNET. Scribd. https://www.scribd.com/document/442551399/HYDRAULIC-
POWERED-CRANE-WITH-ELECTROMAGNET-docx
Effra-hume, C. (2023, September 26). Pascal's principle and hydraulics.
Domin. https://domin.co/learn/pascals-principle-and-hydraulics/

How does an electromagnetic crane work? (2023, May 22). Electricity -

Magnetism. https://www.electricity-magnetism.org/how-does-an-electromagnetic-crane-
work/
Storr, W. (2023, April 19). Electromagnetism and electricity for electromagnets. Basic
Electronics
Tutorials. https://www.electronics-tutorials.ws/electromagnetism/electromagnetism.html