Project / Leader: 1B - Prof. Monika Ivantysynova (Purdue)
Title: : Novel Surface Designs for a New Generation of Pumps and Motors
Research Goal.
Project Goal:
This project aims to increase the efficiency of hydraulic pumps and motors for use in many applications, including more fuel efficient cars.
What is the problem?
Tiny spaces, or gaps, smaller than a human hair, exist between the moving parts of a hydraulic pump. Friction between these moving parts and fluid leaking out of the tiny spaces between these moving parts are the main causes of pump inefficiency.
What are we doing to solve the problem?
By creating and using a complex computer model of the hydraulic pump, we will develop pump designs that make special use of the physical effects occurring in these tiny spaces. Doing this will minimize energy lost and increase pump efficiency.
How would people benefit?
More efficient pumps will increase fuel efficiency in machines already using fluid power and have the potential to increase fuel economy in today’s cars and trucks. Saving just 1% of the fuel we currently use to power cars, trucks, and agricultural and earthmoving equipment would result in 98 million barrels of oil saved per year.
