Development of a rotative actuator for industrial air conditioning

In the past[1], some applications in the home ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) field has already developed demonstrating the high potential of shape memory alloys (SMA) which could be exploited either as actuators and as sensors in the same stand alone device. Starting from these materials features a rotative actuator for selectable inclination of blades in a industrial fan device has been developed and the design and development processes has been described.

A simple geometric model, which describes the changing of springs forces in relation to rotation angle will be presented, in order to outline the optimization process of the configuration of SMA and bias steel springs to achieve a rotational displacement of an arm. In according to this model the SMA and steel springs which has been designed for the application will be characterized and the results of the tailoring process of the thermo-mechanical properties will be illustrated.

The subsequently realization of a prototype, has allowed to validate the geometric model and test the thermo-mechanical properties of the springs in relation to the output torque and the required angular displacement of the blades. The thermo-mechanical characterization of the SMA and steel spring will be also presented and a preliminary standardization attempt will be described in order to demonstrated as versatile design could be exploited in the application of SMA rotative actuators in the air conditioning field but also in any further application where the thermal energy could be converted in mechanical work in relation to the temperature changing.

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[1] T. Todoroki, Shape Memory Sensor and Actuator for Air Conditioners, Engineering Aspects of Shape Memory Alloys, pp 315-329  (1990)

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