Hypothetical Question

[kinetic747]

Quite possibly a stupid one but let's say I have a large roller and another roller that is held against the first one hydraulically. Would it be more effective to hold these rollers together magnetically via the side frame/housing, and then push them apart hydraulically when needed? Any thoughts or ridicule welcome.

 

[kinetic747]

If you used electromagnets, presumably you could turn them off when needed.

Yes, that also but I'm thinking of the energy savings.

 

[kinetic747]

I'd guess it makes no difference.

In a hydraulic system, you don't have to constantly input energy to maintain the pressure on the roller. You input the required force at the start and have some sort of valve to maintain pressure.
It wouldn't make a difference if you input that initial energy to push the rollers together or to overcome the magnet and push them apart.

Damn!