Synthetic Jet Array Phase Control for Velocity Profile Shaping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for active flow control in aerospace applications, such as adjusting actuation input for synthetic jets, require continuous adjustment of high voltage signals and amplitude tailoring, which is complex and may not yield the desired velocity profile, especially in all-electric systems where high pressure air supply is not readily available.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a resonant array of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jets are coupled, allowing for constructive and destructive interference by controlling the relative phase of drive signals, thereby tailoring the velocity profile without continuous amplitude adjustments, using a simpler electrical circuit with constant voltage amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If continuous adjustment of high voltage signals and amplitude tailoring is used for active flow control, then velocity profile can be adjusted, but device complexity and control complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from amplitude modulation to phase modulation. By adjusting the relative phase between adjacent synthetic jet actuators, the velocity profile is controlled without requiring continuous amplitude adjustments. This is achieved through coupled resonant actuators where the phase difference directly influences the interference pattern and resulting velocity distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes resonant vibration of coupled synthetic jet actuators. The actuators are designed to operate at their resonant frequency, and by controlling the phase relationship between adjacent actuators, constructive and destructive interference patterns are created to shape the velocity profile. This resonant approach simplifies the control requirements compared to continuous amplitude modulation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If amplitude tailoring is used to control velocity profile, then desired velocity distribution can be achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from amplitude-based control to phase-based control. By maintaining constant voltage amplitude and adjusting only the phase difference between actuators, the system achieves velocity profile control with reduced power consumption. The coupled resonant design allows efficient energy utilization through constructive interference at desired locations.
3Device complexity
If coupled resonant synthetic jet actuators are used with phase control, then velocity profile shaping is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase modulation as the control parameter, which simplifies the control system architecture compared to amplitude modulation. The coupled resonant actuators are designed with inherent phase relationships that can be controlled through standard phase shifters, reducing the overall control system complexity despite the precision requirements for actuator coupling.
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
This approach enables efficient velocity profile shaping and improved aerodynamic performance by adjusting the phase of drive signals, increasing peak jet velocity and reducing power input requirements, while maintaining device efficiency and aerodynamic performance.
Implementation Method 1
neighboring jet generators are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference between jets of the plurality of synthetic jet generators depending on the relative phase of a corresponding plurality of drive signals
Implementation Method 2
A method involving a resonant array of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jets are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A device including a resonant array of a plurality of synthetic jet generators where neighboring jet generators are coupled, resulting in the potential for constructive and destructive interference between jets of the plurality of synthetic jet generators depending on the relative phase of a corresponding plurality of drive signals to plurality of synthetic jet generators. The device also includes a controller configured to control the relative phase of the corresponding plurality of drive signals to effect a change in a first jet emitted by a first synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jets by changing a given phase of a second jet emitted by a second synthetic jet generator of the plurality of synthetic jet generators.