Programs like the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge are made possible in part by the generous support of industry volunteers as well as NFPA Education and Technology Foundation and Pascal Society donors.
The NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge has officially launched for the 2019/20 school year! Designed to increase the number of university students learning about and getting hands-on experience with fluid power, the program tasks teams with redesigning a traditional bicycle using hydraulics as the mode of power transmission and are required to include:
- An accumulator for storing energy
- An electronic control system for the vehicle
- Regeneration technology
This university capstone project gives students the opportunity to gain real-world experience. Teams place component orders with Vehicle Challenge Parts Suppliers, get an inside look into the industry through the project guidance they get from NFPA members in the mentor program, and have the ability to network with industry representatives and their peers throughout the program. Additionally, each competing team pairs up with a fluid power industry mentor to help them stay on track and to address their questions or difficulties. Teams are required to contact their mentor at least four times throughout the year and submit a summary of their discussions and interactions.
The Final Competition will be hosted by Bimba Manufacturing at IMI Precision Engineering in Littleton, Colorado April 15-18, 2020. The event includes a vehicle inspection, design assessment, sprint race, efficiency challenge, endurance challenge, and a team presentation.
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Fifteen universities will compete for ten awards at the final competition:
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Arizona State University
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Cleveland State University
Colorado State University
Iowa State University
Michigan Technological University
Milwaukee School of Engineering
Murray State University
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Purdue Northwest
Purdue University
University of Akron
University of Cincinnati
University of Denver
West Virginia University Inst. of Tech.
Western Michigan University
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Get Involved
NFPA Education and Technology Foundation Pascal Society Gold and Silver Members are invited to participate in the Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge. These industry representatives fill a number of roles for the program. Thank you to this year’s sponsors, parts suppliers and industry mentors and judges for your support and dedication to year’s program.
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Program Sponsors and Part Suppliers
Bimba Manufacturing
Eaton
IMI Precision Engineering
Lube Tech
Parker Hannifin
Source Fluid Power
SunSource
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Mentors and Judges
Bosch Rexroth
Danfoss Power Solutions
Deltrol Fluid Products
FORCE America Inc.
Gates Corporation
Iowa Fluid Power
Parker Hannifin
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions
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To learn more about the NFPA Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge, contact Stephanie Scaccianoce at sscaccianoce@nfpa.com.
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