Q&A ยท 1:28:53-1:29:48

Why hydraulic propulsion lost ground to electric drive

Temperature-dependent behavior complicates hydraulic transmission for ships.

Question

What about the early idea of hydraulic drive for ships?

Short answer

Its behavior varied with temperature, and electric drive soon displaced the idea.

Notes

Hydraulic drive is recalled as having a brief period of theoretical promise. A participant raises the flammability of the fluid, but the reply emphasizes changes in performance with temperature as the larger naval concern. Electric drive is described as having displaced it quickly.