Upcoming fluid power events

The Fluid Power Research Laboratory (FPRL) at the Department of Energy "Galileo Ferraris", founded by Profs. Mancò and Nervegna has specific competence on modelling, simulation, testing, validation and design of fluid power components and systems.

The FPRL is member of the Global Fluid Power Society.

 

The mission of the FPRL is:

  • to disseminate fluid power culture in industrial engineering studies,
  • to perform research activities grounded on modelling, simulation and testing of fluid power systems and components,
  • to promote and put into effect the technology transfer of results of research activities to concerned fluid power enterprises.

What is Fluid Power?

Hydraulic Fluid Power (in Italian, Oleodinamica) is the discipline that focuses on systems where power is transmitted through a liquid working fluid, typically oil. It represents one of the three primary methods, alongside mechanical and electrical systems, of transferring high power from a source to an end user.

The fields of application for hydraulic fluid power are virtually limitless:

  • Off-road vehicles: earthmoving, construction, agricultural, mining, and airport vehicles.
  • On-road vehicles: rubbish trucks, snow removal machines, mobile cranes, ladder trucks, car transporters, and street sweepers.
  • Automotive systems: steering units, active suspensions, automatic gear shift actuation, variable valve actuation, and electro-hydraulic braking systems.
  • Industrial machines: machine tools, hydraulic presses, injection molding machines, packaging equipment, material handling systems, and test benches.
  • Aeronautics: primary flight controls, landing gears, and rudders.
  • Aerospace: thrust vector control actuators and engine propellant valve controls.
  • Naval systems: variable-pitch propellers, foil cant systems, and winches.
  • Renewable energy systems: wave energy converters, wind turbine regulation systems, and mirror positioners for photovoltaic systems.
  • Medical field: 3D motion control of medical equipment and wearable assistive devices or robots.

And much more.

Fluid power is often mistakenly considered an outdated technology. However, it still holds vast potential for further advancements. Despite the growing prevalence of electric machines, fluid power components remain indispensable in many applications due to their high power density. In today’s era of decarbonization and hybridization, fluid power is experiencing a resurgence, with a renewed focus on optimizing components and systems and integrating them with electric machines.

The Politecnico di Torino is among the few universities in Italy offering specialized courses in Fluid Power, a tradition that began in 1979.

--------------------------------------------

The rights to the images and texts are reserved. Reproduction by any means and total or partial adaptation are strictly prohibited.

Web Editor: Massimo Rundo

© Politecnico di Torino - Credits