There are several hydraulic applications that require varied flow rates. Traditionally, this was achieved by using a fixed-displacement pump and a metering valve that throttles the flow across an orifice. This is an extremely inefficient control method that converts waste energy into heat. A better method of control is to use a variable displacement hydraulic […]
Research
CCEFP update: Hydraulically actuated patient transfer device
One goal of the National Science Foundation’s Engineering Research Center on Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP) is to explore how advanced fluid power technology can be used in a wider range of applications. A significant market need has been identified for an improved mobile device for transferring mobility limited people—particularly bariatric patients. Typical transfers […]
CCEFP update: Hydraulics and free piston engines
Contributed by Ke Li, PhD student, University of Minnesota (Advisor: Professor Zongxuan Sun) A conventional mobile fluid power generation system consists of a internal combustion engine (ICE) and a rotational hydraulic pump. An alternative is the use of a free piston engine (FPE)—this eliminates the crankshaft to enable unconstrained piston motion. With a FPE, linear […]
Fluid Power University Profiles: Tampere University of Technology
Tampere University brings hydraulics into the digital age The Tampere University of Technology in Tampere, Finland, is engaged in a wide assortment of fluid power research that falls under the school’s department of intelligent hydraulics and automation. This department is currently engaged in three main fields of study, remote handling, digital hydraulic technology and intelligent […]
Fluid Power Universtiy Profiles: RWTH Aachen (Germany)
RWTH Aachen brings efficiency to renewable energies The Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Controls is Germany’s RWTH Aachen University’s contribution to the world of fluid power research. The program tackles projects for both government agencies and commercial industries and covers five main areas of study, including: Tribology and fluid analysis, pump and motor technology, […]
Fluid Power University Profiles: Hennepin Technical College
Hennepin adds work experience to curriculum Hennepin Technical College, like many technician-level schools, works with industry leaders to provide students with an education that is both comprehensive and relevant to the demands of industry. Unlike other schools, however, Hennepin goes so far as to incorporate real-world experience with industry into the curriculum. Hennepin does its […]
Fluid Power University Profiles: North Carolina A&T State University
NCAT seeks to improve human element in fluid power Unlike other members of the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, North Carolina A&T State University does not work on improving fluid power technology; instead the mainly graduate level program focuses on the interaction between the technology and its human user. NCAT is involved with […]
Fluid Power University Profiles: ATCC
Alexandria prepares students for the multidisciplinary world Alexandria Technical and Community College, located in Alexandria Minn., is a technician-level school that teaches students how to develop, use and support fluid power systems. The two-year program falls under the school’s Center for Applied Mechatronics department and accepts up to 40 students a year. Mechatronics is the […]
Fluid Power University Profiles: Purdue University
Maha research center leads in pump and motor modeling Purdue University, a member of the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, has been tasked with developing a fuel and power efficient excavator, the largest of the CCEFP’s test beds, as well as the virtual prototyping of pumps and motors. Run by mainly graduate-level students, […]
Fluid Power University Profiles: UIUC
UIUC looks to use pneumatics to give power to your stride The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a member of the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power, is home to the CCEFP’s smallest test bed. It focuses on using fluid power to develop a more versatile, efficient and aesthetically pleasing version of an ankle-foot […]
