Environmentally Friendly Water Hydraulics

Environmentally friendly water hydraulics is one of the central research directions of the Laboratory for Fluid Power and Controls. We research the development of hydraulic systems, valves, actuators, and materials that use water instead of mineral oil as the working medium. In doing so, we contribute to the development of safer, more sustainable, and more environmentally friendly fluid power solutions.

Highlighted Achievements

International Recognition

The laboratory has been researching water hydraulics for more than two decades and is recognized for developing innovative valves and components for using water as a working medium.

Development of Water-Hydraulic Valves

Development and experimental validation of proportional valves for operation in water hydraulics.

Advanced Materials for Water Hydraulics

Development and evaluation of material pairs, coatings, and design solutions to extend the service life of components.

Key Activities

Water-Hydraulic Motors and Actuators

Materials and Tribological Pairs

Water-Hydraulic Valves

Seals and System Reliability

Sustainable Technologies

Researchers

Franc Majdič Assoc. Prof. Dr., Univ. Dipl. Eng. Mech.

Head of the Research Group

Email:

Ana Trajkovski PhD, Univ. Dipl. Eng. Mech.

Email: ana.trajkovski@fs.uni-lj.si

Jan Bartolj MSc Mech. Eng.

Email: jan.bartolj@fs.uni-lj.si

and other laboratory collaborators as part of research projects.

Active Projects

SOFT LOGGING, Soft Robotic Hydraulic Log Gripping System (2023–2026)

Development of an innovative hydraulic gripping system for log handling using soft robotics principles.

CODE-GM (2022–2025)

Designing contacts at the nanoscale for high-performance, energy-efficient, and lightweight components for green mobility

Selected Publications

Experimental validation of the lifetime performance of a proportional 4/3 hydraulic valve operating in water

Water-lubricated behaviour of AISI 440C stainless steel and a DLC coating for an orbital hydraulic motor application

Comparison of leakage level in water and oil hydraulics

Research on the water hydraulic pressure relief valve

Future of water hydraulics

→ Link to all publications in this area

Key Topics for Theses

Selected Topics

Water-Hydraulic Valves
Material pairs for water hydraulics
Advanced materials for hydraulic components
Sealing and system reliability
Tribology in water hydraulics

→ Link to the list of all theses