Feasibility study of using amplified piezo-stack actuators for the actuation of direct drive servovalves

Paolo Tamburrano, Pietro De Palma, Andrew R. Plummer, Elia Distaso, Riccardo Amirante

Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

4 Citations (SciVal)

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the idea of using, in place of recent linear force motors, amplified piezo-stack actuators for the actuation of direct drive servovalves, in order to exploit the fast response of piezoelements accompanied by the increased displacement ensured by mechanical amplification systems. Some possible architectures are proposed in this paper for the direct actuation of four-way three-position (4/3) servovalves using one or two commercially available amplified piezo-stack actuators having a diamond amplification mechanism. The simplest architecture, which employs only one actuator, is assessed using wellestablished equations implemented in Simulink, allowing the hydraulic, mechanical and electrical parts of the valve to be accurately simulated. Three spools of different size are considered in the simulations in order to obtain performance predictions for different valve flow ratings. From the analysis of the inherent characteristics of the amplified piezo-stack and from the results of the simulations, advantages and disadvantages of this possible architecture are drawn and discussed in detail. Among the advantages, there are the simplicity of construction and the high potential in terms of step response speed and frequency response; the large dimensions, low chip shear force capability and high costs are the main disadvantages.

Original languageEnglish
Article number07004
Number of pages15
JournalE3S Web of Conferences
Volume197
Early online date22 Oct 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020
Event75th National ATI Congress - #7 Clean Energy for all, ATI 2020 - Virtual, Online, Italy
Duration: 15 Sept 202016 Sept 2020

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2020 The Authors, published by EDP Sciences.

Copyright:
Copyright 2020 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.

Keywords

  • Amplified piezo-stack
  • Direct drive
  • Servovalve
  • Simulink

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Environmental Science
  • General Energy
  • General Earth and Planetary Sciences

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