2019/20 Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Launches

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.