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Is this a one-off or the next pre-production Ford? -Ed

Mike Levine - Cars.com via Chicagotribune.com - Feb. 18, 2011

Ford is working with the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power and Folsom Technologies to develop a prototype F-150 light-duty pickup truck propelled by a hydraulic hybrid powertrain.

Hydraulic hybrids differ considerably from gas-electric hybrids, like the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Hybrid, but the goal is the same: to improve fuel efficiency.

"We have the potential to reach 40 miles per gallon or higher with hydraulic power," said Perry Li, co-deputy director of CCEFP and a mechanical engineering professor. More (http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/automotive/autoshow/sns-ford-f-150-used-to-develop-40-mpg20110218,0,6915019.story)

This is great news, but I really doubt they will reach 40mpg with a 6000lb truck.. hopefully they will come close so we can continue with our truck porn :)

"The CCEFP is a network of seven universities and 55 industrial partners working together to create innovative breakthroughs in hydraulic and pneumatic technology. It's funded by the National Science Foundation."

Perry Li then added, "Once we've developed this technology enough to make it market ready we'll build a pre-production model and demonstrate it by driving through Fred Diaz's house. We figure with the improved fuel economy we'll be able to completely flatten the place and still have enough gas left to completely tear up his yard. I think that will appeal both to the people who want an efficient work pick-up and to the selfish dumb****s who think that kind of thing's funny even when the guy doesn't deserve it."

Hi All:
“Once we've developed this technology enough to make it market ready we'll build a pre-production model and demonstrate it…”
I do not know if I should laugh or cry at any of the above? Coulda, woulda shoulda again and again… I know how to get 30 out of today’s F-150 and that involves nothing more than hypermiling at no extra cost or R&D or possibilities or pie in the sky wishes and dreams… 40 will take a smaller PHEV’d diesel more than likely.

Wayne

Just how do you store a high pressure liquid fluid that can't be compressed?
Do they cock a big steel spring of some sort and use that the keep the fluid pressurized? Sorta' like a big pellet rifle, but with the spring pressurizing a liquid, not air?
Maybe compress a gas chamber- like a shock-and use that?

Just how do you store a high pressure liquid fluid that can't be compressed?
Do they cock a big steel spring of some sort and use that the keep the fluid pressurized? Sorta' like a big pellet rifle, but with the spring pressurizing a liquid, not air?
Maybe compress a gas chamber- like a shock-and use that?

If only there was a way to find out...

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/hydraulic-hybrid1.htm

I searched on Google for: how do hydraulic hybrids work

It was the first link. ;)

Hi Charlie:

With an accumulator and a gas (N2 usually) on top separated by a bladder in most cases.

Wayne

ItsNotAboutTheMoney
Wayne
Thanks.

This will be interesting to see... though I have to wonder just how durable the system could be in consumer hands? What sorts of extra maintenance does it require?