Zot-Under-Pressure: Fluid Powered Vehicle Challenge

Background

The National Fluid Power Association’s Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge (FPVC) pushes students to combine mechanical power and hydraulic energy in a competitive racing environment. The challenge evaluates performance in four race categories: sprint, endurance, efficiency, and regenerative braking. UC Irvine recently entered the competition for the first time, and this year’s project builds on that foundation to create a more efficient, reliable, and high-performance vehicle. The team draws inspiration from prior top-performing universities while addressing the limitations of UCI’s previous design in energy storage, regenerative efficiency, and manufacturability.

Goal and Objectives

Design, manufacture, and test a high-performance hydraulic-powered trike capable of placing top three at the 2025 FPVC competition in Rockford, IL.

Objectives with Dates:

• September 2025: Initial Team Kickoff 
• Nov 2025: Finalize the initial hydraulic schematic, subsystem concepts, and CAD layout.
• Dec 2026: Begin manufacturing, integration, and preliminary testing of hydraulic systems.
• March 2026: Perform full system testing, submit performance video to NFPA, and finalize documentation.
• April 2026: Compete in FPVC; complete all race requirements and present final design.

System Overview

The vehicle converts rider pedaling into hydraulic power using a gear pump, stores energy in a 3000-psi nitrogen-charged accumulator, and releases pressure through a hydraulic motor to propel the wheels. A dedicated regenerative braking loop captures braking energy by back-driving the motor as a pump to recharge the accumulator.

Subsystems & Core Functions

• Chassis & Steering: Modified trike frame for improved stability, load distribution, and mounting space.
• Braking System: Hydraulic disc brakes capable of holding the vehicle under full accumulator charge (3000 psi).
• Hydraulic Circuit: Direct-drive and regen drive states using directional valves, check valves, and pressure relief systems.
• Regenerative Braking: Must store enough energy to push the vehicle 10+ ft after a full stop.
• Electrical System: Solenoids, sensors, and microcontroller-based regulation for valve timing and data display.

Team Point of Contact 

Erick Castellanos-Ramirez: castele7@uci.edu
 

Problem Definition Presentation

FPVC at UC Irvine: Problem Definition Presentation