Advantages of Fluid Power over Electric Power Systems

Generally fluid power systems tend to be insufficient, requiring much more energy input to the fluid than what is extracted at the points of use. When large amounts of energy need to be transmitted over long distances, electricity is a more practical medium for the task. Nonetheless, fluid power systems have certain advantages over electric power, they include:

• Fluid power systems present minor hazard of accidentally igniting flammable atmospheres as no sparks are produced.
• Fluid power motors and cylinders do not overload at low speeds or under locked conditions.
• Fluid power systems present no hazard of electric shock or arc flash.
• Pneumatic systems are relatively easy to equip with backup energy reserve such as liquefied nitrogen serving as a backup gas supply in the event of compressor shut down.
• Fluid power systems may be safely used in submerged (underwater) environments. 
• Pneumatic systems are self-purging, that is, enclosures housing pneumatic devices will be naturally purged of dusts and vapors by leaking air.
• Fluid power systems are usually easier to comprehend and troubleshoot than electric systems.

Also read:

• Pneumatic Actuators
• Pneumatic Signal Transmission
• Advantages & Disadvantages of Pneumatic Systems