Dynamics and topology optimization of piezoelectric fans

Abstract

Piezoelectric fans are very low power, small, very low noise, solid-state devices that have recently emerged as viable thermal management solutions for a variety of portable electronics applications including laptop computers, cellular phones and wearable computers. Piezoelectric fans utilize piezoceramic patches bonded onto thin, low frequency flexible blades to drive the fan at its resonance frequency. The resonating, low frequency blade creates a streaming airflow directed at key electronics components. The optimization of a piezoelectric fan with two symmetrically placed piezoelectric patches is investigated through an analytical Bernoulli-Euler model as well as a finite element (FE) model of the composite piezo-beam. The closed form analytical solution is used to demonstrate that different optimal piezoceramic-to-blade length ratios and piezoceramic-to-blade thickness ratios exist for maximizing the electromechanical coupling factor (EMCF), tip deflection and rotation. Such optimization procedures provide simple design guidelines for the development of very-low power, high flow rate piezoelectric fans.

Experimental Investigation of the Thermal Performance of Piezoelectric Fans

“…Buermann et al [7] performed an optimization study of a piezoelectric fan with two symmetrically placed piezoelectric patches. An analytical Bernoulli-Euler model and a finite element model of the composite piezo-beam were used in analyzing the piezoelectric fan.…”

Heat Flow Field Analysis of the Effects of Vertical Piezoelectric Fan Placement on Heat Convection in Pin-Fin Heat Sink

“…(1)(2)(3)(4)(5) Unfortunately, the cooling effects of heat sinks without fans are limited. Forced convection is another choice.…”

Heat Transfer Analysis of Plate-fin Heat Sink with Piezoelectric Fan

“…In research, the result indicates obviously that numerical-simulation analysis flow to discovery the area of flow field is the same compared to testing method, but vorticity is smaller than from testing method, numerical-simulation method can resolve vorticity characteristic data, also realized there have four-step to induce vorticity: initiation, development, separation and propagation. Buermann et al [6] apply topology to analyze flow field from piezoelectric fan, as above mention, piezoelectric fan is equipment with advantage of low-power, tiny, and low noise…etc, that easy to apply on portable electric product. They analyze effect resulted from piezoelectric material by Bernoulli equation and Finite element, this analysis provide perfect length ratio of piezoelectric fan and thickness on blade top for max.…”