Fluid Power: Paving the way for renewable

26 November, 2024

As the global push for sustainable energy intensifies, industries are grappling with how to adapt traditional technologies to meet environmental goals. One such challenge lies in the integration of fluid power systems - encompassing both hydraulic and pneumatic technologies - with renewable energy sources.

Fluid power systems are indispensable in industries like construction, manufacturing, aerospace, and agriculture, providing precise control and high-power density in essential machinery. However, their historical reliance on conventional energy sources, including fossil fuels, raises concerns about their long-term sustainability. Fluid power systems, especially hydraulics, are fundamental in many industrial operations due to their ability to transmit large amounts of power through relatively small components. Hydraulic systems are commonly found in heavy-duty machinery, such as industrial presses, cranes, and mobile construction equipment. Yet, these systems are often powered by diesel engines or electricity from non-renewable sources. While many stationary hydraulic systems already operate on electricity, and in some regions this electricity is sourced from renewables, the integration of renewable energy into mobile and off-grid hydraulic applications remains a key challenge.

The challenge of powering fluid systems with renewables

The main obstacle in transitioning fluid power systems to renewable energy is the inconsistency of renewable energy generation. Wind turbines only produce electricity when the wind is blowing, and solar panels generate power only during daylight hours. On the other hand, fluid power systems—particularly in industrial and mobile applications—often require a continuous and reliable energy supply. This mismatch between the variable nature of renewable energy and the constant power demand of fluid power systems presents a significant hurdle.

Energy storage solutions are critical to bridging this gap. Technologies such as batteries, flywheels, and hydraulic accumulators are being developed and refined to store excess renewable energy when it is available and release it during periods of low generation. Batteries, in particular, are becoming increasingly important in renewable energy systems, but their cost, limited lifespan, and the challenges of scaling them to industrial applications remain obstacles. Hydraulic accumulators, while useful for short-term energy storage, are not yet capable of storing sufficient energy for large-scale operations over extended periods. As a result, hybrid systems that combine renewable energy with traditional energy sources, such as diesel generators, are often necessary to ensure fluid power systems have a stable power supply.

Improving the efficiency of fluid power systems

A critical issue in the transition to sustainable energy is the inherent inefficiency of traditional hydraulic systems. In some cases, up to 60% of the energy used by hydraulic systems is lost due to friction, heat dissipation, and fluid leakage. While this figure may vary depending on the system’s design, maintenance, and application, it underscores the need for more efficient technologies. In an era where energy efficiency is paramount, the inefficiency of fluid power systems is a significant barrier to their widespread use with renewable energy.