This new tool has been designed to help builders to know more about their Lego Pneumatic Engines. LPEtool manages all the important data : type of cylinder, number, switch, modified or not, dimensions… The tool calculates the maximun power (at maximun speed and pressure) and the average torque which varies with the rotation of the crankshaft.
LPEtools, version 1.0 may 2011
For instance, this classic LPE with 1 cylinder provides 1.3W of power whereas the Nicjasno’s 8 cylinder big block provides 100W, that is surprising but with 1500rpm and 6 bars of pressure, it is quite normal. If you have comment, question of suggestion, feel free to comment in this post.
April 6th, 2013 on 16 h 57 min
So according to this tool, LPEs are much more powerful than lego motors, this is great considering I want to make a car with one. Anyway, good job.
December 26th, 2012 on 11 h 28 min
@Willisdee: I found that using the old-old style switches are relatively easy to dismantle. You dont really have to cut or break anything. These switches are recognizable by the shorter length of the air inlets (old-old style switches have a length of 5mm, the new-old style switches have a length of 6mm and are a bit conical shaped at the end). Cutting the insides is not too difficult with a sharp knife, once you take your time. Regarding the drilling, I have not yet performed that task (I am still looking for a way to make a nice perpendicular drilling). Hope this helps
December 24th, 2012 on 18 h 10 min
I raised a question on the website of LPEpower about their 8-piston engine. My issue was that when you would have the engine running at 1500 rpm (at 6 bars), I think that you may approach sonic flow speed at the main air inlet of the engine (i.e. the first T-junction). This would limit the upper speed of the engine and may give high pressure drops over the tubings. What do you think about it?
June 2nd, 2011 on 5 h 30 min
Is there a video or instructions for modifying the switches, because all I’ve managed to do is ruin them.