Fluid Power-Progress in a Key Technology

This paper outlines some of the developments in fluid power technology to overcome the challenges posed by other forms of energy transmission. It is shown that many of these advances are associated with the incorporation of electronic devices, microprocessors and the application of modern control techniques as well as improvements in fluid power components. A central issue is the reduction of pump flow-ripple in order to reduce system vibration and noise. Other environmental factors are also discussed.