The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) is pleased to announce that the 2012 NFPA Innovation Award has been presented to Jude Hueber for innovative hydraulic hybrid vehicle design performed for Lightning Hybrids, LLC. The award is presented annually to individual engineers or technicians to recognize innovative use of fluid power. Hueber received the award April 30 at the Transenergy Solutions Green Transportation Conference in Denver, Colorado.
The hybrid hydraulic drive system designed by Hueber and a team of Lightning Hybrids engineers integrates components from various manufacturers with sophisticated software that controls the speed of fixed displacement pumps and accumulator pressures to optimize efficiency for lighter shuttle buses and delivery vehicles. Drivers can monitor system performance on the fly via dashboard mounted tablet computer. According to Lightning Hybrids, the system has achieved energy savings, or corresponding emissions reductions, of 33% to 40% over similar vehicles with conventional drivetrains.
The winner was selected by NFPA Marketing Committee volunteers from nominations submitted to NFPA during the application process. In its review of Huber’s application, the committee acknowledged that the anticipated cost-savings from applying the technology of fixed displacement pumps and accumulator pressures will optimize the efficiency for lighter commercial vehicles.
The NFPA Innovation Award is part of an effort to draw attention to advances in fluid power and the advantages of using fluid power by recognizing innovative applications of hydraulics and pneumatics by customers and users of fluid power. Visit the NFPA website for more details, http://www.nfpa.com/fluidpower/innovationaward.aspx.
NFPA provides a forum for the fluid power industry’s channel partners—manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, customers and educators. Its U.S. and multinational members work cooperatively in advancing hydraulic and pneumatic technology through the association’s many programs and initiatives.
