Engineering research in fluid power: a review

Abstract

This article reviews recent developments in fluid power engineering, particularly its market and research in China. The development and new techniques of the pump, valve, and actuator are presented in brief with a discussion of two typical modern fluid power systems, which are the switched inertance hydraulic system and the hydraulic quadruped robot. Challenges and recommendations are given in four aspects including efficiency, compactness and integration, cleanliness, and fluid power education.