INNOVATIONS IN PUMP DESIGN – WHAT ARE FUTURE DIRECTIONS?

Displacement-controlled actuators, advanced continuously variable transmissions and hydraulic hybrid power trains represent new technologies for mobile hydraulic machines, off road and on road vehicles. These new technologies allow major fuel savings and reduced emissions, but they change the performance requirements of positive displacement pumps and motors. Additionally, the market demand for positive displacement machines will increase. This paper briefly discusses these technology trends and the impact on existing pump and motor designs. The three major chal-lenges are efficiency improvements, noise reduction and advancements in pump and motor control. Examples from the author’s research team documenting the progress in computer modeling of piston pumps and motors will be given