CCEFP's Vision for Research

The CCEFP’s vision for research has many dimensions as we strive to create new fluid power technologies that are compact and efficient. Significant energy savings will be realized as the new technologies are implemented in existing and new applications. The new technologies will also enable applications and new products requiring portable high-power, untethered operations over long time periods. As these and additional goals for the Center are realized, both short and long term advantages will accrue.

Research projects in the CCEFP will have three thrust areas:

Thrust Area 1: Efficiency 

By increasing the efficiency of fluid power in existing and new applications, the CCEFP will save many billions of dollars in energy, paying for the Center many times over. 

The CCEFP will develop new, high-density accumulators making the regeneration approach feasible for passenger vehicles, resulting in much larger energy savings. 

Thrust Area 2: Compactness

By decreasing size and weight, fluid power systems can migrate from heavy equipment to human scale assistive devices, spawning whole new industries including: underwater exploration, rescue operations, remotely manipulating nuclear materials, bomb disposal, medical and rehabilitation applications and for wearable or compact tools for home and industrial use.

Thrust Area 3. Noise and Vibration, Leakage, Contamination and Human Factors

No one will use new fluid power technology unless it is safe, quiet, clean and easy to use. Problems with noise, vibration, leakage, contamination and awkward interfaces will be addressed, leading to wider, more efficient and more satisfactory use of fluid power.

   CCEFP Research Projects

For further information contact Linda Western