Parker Wins NorTech Innovation Award for Hydraulic Hybrid Energy Recovery System

Parker s winning entry is a system that replaces the conventional transmission of a vehicle with a power distribution unit that decouples the wheels from the engine operation to provide superior engine management. Target markets and early implementation has been focused on vehicles with heavy start and stop duty cycles such as in waste disposal and delivery trucks. Vehicles adopting this new technology have experienced up to a 50% reduction in fuel consumption on a typical route with ancillary benefits including significantly reduced carbon emissions, less brake wear and ease of driving compared with other hybrid systems.

"We are honored to be recognized by NorTech for our Hydraulic Hybrid Energy Recovery System," said Dr. Joe Kovach, Group Vice President of Technology and Innovation for Parker s Hydraulics Group, who accepted the award at a recent presentation ceremony. "This system reflects the work of many Parker people and divisions around the world collaborating to bring a traditional technology like hydraulics into cutting edge applications. In doing so, we are addressing the critical need to decrease fuel consumption and reduce the impact of these vehicles on our environment. We are proud that our technology can have such global impact. To be among the fast moving organizations in the region recognized for such an award speaks to Parker s leadership in research and development and our commitment to foster a culture of innovation within our organization."

"This system is just one of a range of new platforms we are developing at Parker," said Craig Maxwell, Vice President of Technology and Innovation for Parker Hannifin. "Across our nine core technology competencies we have engineers focused on developing products and systems that now number in the thousands and address some of the most pressing engineering challenges of our time. For example, this new hydraulic hybrid system is addressing the need to establish more efficient use of traditional energy sources, which can have a significant impact on meeting increased demand for energy while reducing carbon emissions."

The Company noted other recent innovations as examples that have recently launched, including commercial aircraft fuel tank inerting systems that reduce the likelihood of fuel tank explosions; electrical grid stabilization systems that contribute to more efficient electricity distribution; piezo actuated valves that significantly reduce size and power consumption, and could enable a whole new class of portable medical devices; advancements of Cool Drive technology for the thermal management of microprocessors; a revolutionary nitrogen generator for tire inflation; and electric hybrid technologies that can contribute to reduced fuel consumption.

Maxwell added. "We are at the forefront of realizing the potential that Parker has in leveraging its engineering expertise across our technologies to address these challenges. With our breadth of product, global scope, and increasing ability to collaborate and develop unique systems, Parker is setting the standard for technology leadership in motion and control."