The objectives of the CRAFT-project was to evaluate, study and specify the physical characteristics of critical elements of a novel water hydraulic motor / pump in order to make possible the development and design of a prototype stage arc motor. The basic advantage of the arc design of individual (six) cylinders is that the pressure force generates torque direct to the shaft and the construction does not include any reciprocating components. Additionally the original oil device has in principle only three moving components (cylinder block, piston block and the port plate).
In terms of performance the aim was to develop a device which could operate with tap water at 210 bars pressure. This pressure level was not achieved during the course of the project. However, since the pressure level for water hydraulic axial pumps is usually 140 or 160 bar the achieved pressure (140 bar) was acceptable.
The durability of the pump/motor construction was lower than anticipated. Only 120 hours lifetime was achieved compared to 1000 hour target.
Efficiency factors that were achieved were also on an acceptable level taking into consideration the stage of the development. However, at pressure levels over 80 bars the efficiencies were too low compared to commercial devices.
The CRAFT-project resulted an operating motor-pump prototype that provides a good starting point for final product development efforts.