The Future of Fluid Power: 6 Challenges Facing Hydraulic Engineers

Hydraulic engineers are facing a number of challenges as they develop fluid power technologies. The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) has recognized six major areas for advancement:

• Increasing Energy Efficiency: Increasing the efficiency of hydraulic systems to minimize energy use and operating expenses.
• Improving Reliability: Creating systems with increased durability and lower maintenance requirements to provide reliable performance.
• Smart Components and Systems: Incorporating sophisticated electronics and control systems to provide real-time monitoring and adaptive actions.
• Minimizing Size and Weight: Creating smaller and lighter components to address size and weight requirements in numerous applications.
• Lessening Environmental Footprint: Using environmentally friendly materials and processes to reduce the environmental footprint of hydraulic systems.
• Enhancing and Utilizing Energy Storage and Redeployment Capabilities: Maximizing the storage and effective utilization of energy in hydraulic systems to achieve maximum performance.

Resolution of these challenges is essential for the development of fluid power technologies to keep them competitive and sustainable in the light of upcoming alternatives such as electromechanical systems.