Electrofluidic devices
CTEC offers solutions for fluidic applications such as compressors, pumps and valves with piezo or magnetic technologies. Piezoelectric actuators enable fine control of small flows or very high pressures. Magnetic technologies are available for higher flow rates at low pressures. Here are the main mechanisms technologies for fluidic applications:
Proportional regulation valves
Proportional regulation valves achieve very precise flow control regulation, for either flow control or pressure control. In association with a position sensor, located onto the moving part, and a cascaded position / flow control approach, CTEC provides piezo regulation valves compatible with embedded operational environments, featuring vibrations rejection onto the poppet while flowing, to warranty efficient flow control during any transient environment.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) valves and Pulsed Jet Actuators (PJA)
PWM valves are high frequency on / off valves. The flow control is not achieved by a position regulation of the moving part, but instead by a modulation in time and frequency of a full stroke opening. Pulsed Jet Actuators (PJA) consists in such piezo valve operation for modern application on Aircraft aerodynamics to supress drag and drift losses on aerofoils, induced by boundary layers flow separation. The PJA needs a pressure source, as an active check valve, which is an alternate approach compared to SJA which generates a pressure wave by itself.
Pressure Wave Generators (PWG) and Synthetic Jet Actuators (SJA)
Pressure wave generator (PWG) is a reciprocating piezo mechanism actuating on a piston and compression chamber in order to provide a pressure flow oscillation at zero mean flow rate. Such actuators are commonly used on closed “sealed” volume thermal machines. Open circuit pressure wave generators at ambient Air, based on piezo technology are also especially relevant for Synthetic Jet Actuators (SJA), which is a modern application on Aircraft aerodynamics to suppress drag and drift losses on aerofoils, induced by boundary layers flow separation.
Reed valves compressors and pumps
Reed valve compressors are long life compressor dedicated to application requiring zero maintenance other year of continuous operation. Such performance is achieved by designing infinite fatigue life of reed valves together with frictionless reciprocating actuator and piston based on flexure bearing, and gaz bearing. Magnetic pumps are of similar actuation principle as per reed valves
compressor, making used of commercial check valves or customer advanced fluid diodes and membranes. Piezo based pumps allow compact design and high flow rate thanks to high frequency operation. CTEC Reed valve concept can also be applicable to pumps if static leak tightness at rest is not required.
To learn more about these mechanisms, do not hesitate to see our fluidic dedicated brochure
Gas Valve: PPV200M
In the frame of the ESA TRP Piezo Valve for Space Applications, a new low-power active valve actuated by an Amplified piezoelectric Actuator APA®, the APA200M, has demonstrated both Proportional Gas Flow Control and generation of repeatable Minimum Impulse Bits.
Applications
Gas Valve, Proportional Valve etc.
STATUS
Space evaluated
REED VALVE COMPRESSOR FOR HYDROGEN STORAGE
This compressor is using 4 Moving Iron Controllable Actuators concept (MICA™). CTEC MICA magnetic actuators provide several benefits to space compressors such as high efficiency and very low heating.
Applications
Hydrogen Compressor, ZBO, pulse type cryocoolers
STATUS
Space evaluated
FACELIFT: FLUIDIC ACTUATORS FOR CONTROL OF STEALTH AIRCRAFT
The FACELIFT project aims to improve strategic surveillance capability, survivability and operational resilience for future stealth aircraft, which will be more stealthy and more maneuverable than the current generation of military assets such as the European MALE-RPAS.
Applications
Fluidic actuators; aeronautics; aircraft; military assets; air jets
STATUS
Prototype
ACONIT PROJECT: ACTUATORS FOR SURGE CONTROL IN GAS TURBINE
The objective of the ACONIT project is to design, manufacture and test actuators for flow control for an implantation in an aircraft engine. The actuators will fulfill aeronautics requirement in order to increase the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) in this domain. To do so, the first objective of the work is to improve the knowledge of the flow physics of an efficient flow control system by joint numerical and experimental analysis performed in a low speed, single stage axial compressor.
Applications
Active Flow Control (AFC) solutions; Aircraft applications; Pulsed Jet Actuator (PJA)
STATUS
Prototype
GUDGET PROJECT: GUST GENERATORS AND MODEL DESIGN FOR TRANSONIC WIND TUNNEL TESTS
The GUDGET project will design, manufacture, calibrate, verify and finally install in the ONERA S3Ch Wind Tunnel (WT) an enhanced gust generator system and an aeroelastic halfmodel connected to the WT side wall, with the purpose to support ONERA in the execution of a WT test campaign and gather information on the aeroelastic behaviour of the model under high amplitude gust conditions, with the acquisition of a relevant database will allow to assess the numerical capabilities for the prediction of gust loads.
Applications
Active Flow Control (AFC) solutions; Aircraft applications; Pulsed Jet Actuator (PJA)
STATUS
Prototype
SYNJET3C PROJECT: SYNTHETIC JET FLOW CONTROL CFD AND CHARACTERIZATION
The H2020 Cleansky 2 project SYNJET3C aims at reducing the aircrafts energy consumption by decreasing flow separation on the wings. Active Flow Control (AFC) consists in a mechanism which pulses air from a nozzle at high flow and velocity. The objective of the project is to improve the understanding of SJA behavior and to define the next generation of SJA.
CTEC is in charge of building a system model of the SJA in quiescent air condition and cross flow condition. This model will be a tool to predict the performance of a new SJA…
Applications
Active Flow Control (AFC) actuators and systems; Synthetic jet actuators; smart power amplifier solutions
STATUS
Prototype
ASPIC Project: Piezo and compact synthetic jet actuator
The ASPIC project aims at developing a robust and effcient synthetic jet actuator (SJA) which will be evaluated inside the vertical fin of an aircraft. It will be coordinated by CTEC with the help of ONERA and funded via the Rapid project from DGA, French Ministry of Defence.
Applications
Aerodynamics; solenoid valves; injectors; fast, precise and compact actuation
STATUS
Prototype
VIPER Cleansky Project
The VIPER (Valve hIgh PERformances for flow control separation in aircraft) Cleansky project aims at developing, manufacturing and testing piezoelectric valves to accurately control the air flow (Active Flow Control Actuators) on transport and business aircraft.
Applications
Active flaps in helicopter blades for noise reduction – Optical stabilization in embedded cameras – Active tuneable antennas in telecom satellites – Active mirrors in space astronomy – Portable dynamic shakers
STATUS
Concept