Synthetic Jet Actuator Cooling for Adaptive Vehicle Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cooling systems for vehicles are ineffective in providing time and location-specific cooling, are heavy and costly, and fail to adapt to changing thermal conditions, leading to inefficiencies and increased resource dependence.
Innovation Solution
A synthetic jet actuator system using a cavity layer, oscillatory membrane made of piezoelectric material, and a controller to manage fluid flow and temperature control, allowing for adaptive temperature management without external air or plumbing, integrated into vehicle systems for efficient cooling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling systems (liquid cooling, mechanical fans) are used, then cooling capability is provided, but weight increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems (fans, pumps, liquid cooling circuits) with an acoustic-based cooling system using surface acoustic waves (SAW). The SAW device generates acoustic streaming and cavitation effects that enhance heat transfer from the battery to the cooling fluid, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical components while maintaining effective cooling capability.
2Temperature
If conventional cooling systems are used, then cooling capability is provided, but device complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates complex components from conventional cooling systems by using acoustic streaming and cavitation effects generated by SAW devices. This removes the need for mechanical fans, pumps, and complex liquid cooling circuits, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining effective cooling through enhanced natural convection and fluid mixing.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic cooling system is designed to be self-regulating, where the SAW device automatically adjusts cooling intensity based on thermal conditions. The acoustic streaming and cavitation effects naturally enhance heat transfer without requiring external control mechanisms, sensors, or complex regulation systems, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Temperature
If forced convection cooling is used, then cooling capability is provided, but aerodynamic performance deteriorates and weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces forced air convection systems (which require intake openings and create aerodynamic drag) with an acoustic-based cooling system. The SAW-generated acoustic streaming and cavitation effects enhance heat transfer to the cooling fluid without requiring forced air flow, thereby eliminating aerodynamic penalties while maintaining cooling capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise, adaptive temperature control of electrical systems, enhancing vehicle performance, safety, and energy efficiency by reducing weight and resource requirements while improving cooling efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillatory membrane comprising a piezoelectric material adapted to deflect the oscillatory membrane in response to an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
the oscillatory membrane is adapted to compress and expand a volume within the cavity, based on a deflection generated by the piezoelectric material, for generating a fluid flow between the cavity and the external atmosphere through the orifice
Data Source
AI summary
A synthetic jet actuator includes a cavity layer having an internal cavity for reception of a fluid volume and an orifice providing a fluid communication between the cavity and an external atmosphere; an oscillatory membrane having a piezoelectric material adapted to deflect the oscillatory membrane in response to an electrical signal; and a controller configured to control delivery of electrical signals to the piezoelectric material for controlling operation of the oscillatory membrane based on input data received from one or more sources that informs on a temperature and/or performance level of a targeted objected for cooling. The actuator may further include a thermal element for affecting modified temperature control; and the actuator may be integrated into a surface of a thermally diffusive structure for dissipating heat from a thermal load.