What is fluid energy? Fluid power is the use of fluids under pressure to generate, control and transmit energy. The two main types of hydraulic transmission are hydraulic and pneumatic. Applications range from the brute force needed in heavy industry to sensitive part positioning in precision machining operations. Fluid power is one of three types of power transfer systems commonly used today. Fluids for hydraulic systems are typically made from a mixture of water-soluble oil or brine, then converted into a mechanical output capable of performing work on a load. Hydraulic systems have a greater reach than mechanical and electrical systems and can provide more power than other systems of equal size. They are precise, operate at high pressures, move slowly and have solid components. Pneumatic systems do not use fluids but use air to generate power. They are less precise, move faster and are much lighter. Both systems allow precise control of torque, speed and force. The first signs of the use of fluid power were seen by the Egyptians, Persians, and Chinese when they built gates, ditches, and dams to control water for irrigation systems. Over time, many variations and developments were made which resulted in the invention of the water wheel to lift water for irrigation purposes and transform simple mills which provided power right down to the 18th and 19th centuries. Wind and water mills had very low power and typically produced only about 3 to 5 horsepower. Early uses of fluid power were based on low-pressure water and air provided by nature. These methods are still used today by some industries. Historians have estimated that many early machines and devices were developed and o...... middle of paper ...... Alan Hitchcox of H&P this should not be a problem. “Even if we don't see the incredible advancements that have taken place with phones and computers, the steady stream of advancements in the industry promise to keep fluid energy a viable means of energy transmission well into the future.” [Hitchcox] Fluid energy has enabled massive advances in production that are exponentially greater than anything attempted by human power alone. These powerful machines have practical applications in industries such as petrochemicals, agriculture and many more. Without the use of fluid energy machines, production on farms around the world would fall far short of the production levels needed to support the planet's growing population. The fluid power industry has played an important role in the market as well as many industries and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future..