Development of an eco-efficient EcoFlow portable fluid management system (EcoFlow-PFMS) for environmentally responsible automotive maintenance

Abstract

The increasing demand for environmentally responsible automotive maintenance has highlighted the need for innovative technologies that reduce fluid spillage, improve resource efficiency, and promote the safe handling and recovery of hazardous automotive fluids. This study developed and evaluated the Eco-Efficient EcoFlow Portable Fluid Management System (EcoFlow-PFMS), a compact, rechargeable, multifunctional device designed to integrate automotive fluid filling, transfer, and suction into a single portable unit for environmentally sustainable maintenance operations. A developmental research design was employed involving the conceptual design, fabrication, assembly, and functional testing of the prototype. The developed system was evaluated by 50 respondents, comprising 30 automotive technicians, 10 automotive shop owners, and 10 customers, using a structured five-point Likert-scale questionnaire, while descriptive statistics were used to analyze user evaluations. Operational performance was assessed by measuring the average transfer time of one liter of automotive fluid under three operating modes. The EcoFlow-PFMS obtained an overall acceptability rating of 4.94 (Very Highly Acceptable), with the highest ratings recorded for ease of transport (4.99) and ease of operation and portability (4.98). Performance testing demonstrated average transfer times of 31.84 s/L for Filling 1, 33.18 s/L for Filling 2, and 52.40 s/L for the Suction function, indicating reliable and consistent performance across fluids with different viscosity levels. The findings demonstrate that the EcoFlow-PFMS is an effective and eco-efficient engineering innovation that improves automotive maintenance efficiency, minimizes fluid waste and environmental contamination, and supports cleaner production and sustainable automotive servicing, with strong potential for adoption in automotive workshops, mobile service operations, and roadside maintenance.