Regenerative hydraulics

The use of multiple hydraulic pumps can satisfy the needs of various circuits in off-highway equipment.

With fuel prices continually on the rise, it is critical to maximize the operating efficiency of off-highway equipment. Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) continues to develop advanced electrohydraulic systems that improve vehicle efficiency. New efforts are focusing on improving the efficiency of the powertrain, the hydraulic systems, and the engine accessories that all consume significant energy during vehicle operation.

Motive power is produced by powertrains to ascend grades, overcome rolling resistance, pull plows, push blades, or move harvesters through fields. Powertrain efficiency improvement is being pursued through continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), including hydraulic CVTs, to produce the maximum desired travel speed while minimizing the fuel consumed by the engine.