Thermal Investigation and Optimized Design of a Novel Solar Self-Driven Thermomechanical Actuator

Abstract

As the world moves toward cleaner and greener sources of energy, the use of solar energy appeals the most for countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, since they have an abundant amount of solar radiation throughout the year. This paper offers a novel design for a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator that uses solar energy to trigger thermomechanical behavior. Additionally, the proposed design of the thermomechanical actuator aims to be a piston-based linear actuator covered by a solar heat collector (SHC). Furthermore, the thermal behavior of the actuator has been studied in detail using a simulation-based study under the real-time weather conditions of Dammam city, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). The thermal study proves that the optimized design of the thermomechanical actuator has achieved a minimum daily temperature variation of 10 °C, which enables the SMA-based thermomechanical actuator to operate in a daily manner throughout the year. Moreover, the presented numerical results show that the proposed thermomechanical actuator requires a twice-maintenance routine yearly. Additionally, it has been observed that the SHC, which is the central part of the designed thermomechanical actuator, can increase the temperature inside the actuator by about 15 °C more than ambient temperature. The proposed study adds to the body of knowledge a design for a passive, solar-driven, and self-actuating smart thermomechanical SMA actuator that is capable of integration with various solar applications, such as the cleaning and tracking of photovoltaic systems.

Thermal–Optical Evaluation of an Optimized Trough Solar Concentrator for an Advanced Solar-Tracking Application Using Shape Memory Alloy

“…Continuous developments within modern and efficient technology solutions for innovative solar energy applications have attracted many researchers. Similarly, energy-related companies and manufacturers are significant players in continuously exploring alternative eco-friendly energy sources through the focus on sustainability and environmental conservation [ 1 , 2 ]. Environmental impact is essential for sustainable development, and its influence is enhanced by the pervasive use of fossil fuels and a lack of environmental protection [ 1 ].…”

“…Similarly, energy-related companies and manufacturers are significant players in continuously exploring alternative eco-friendly energy sources through the focus on sustainability and environmental conservation [ 1 , 2 ]. Environmental impact is essential for sustainable development, and its influence is enhanced by the pervasive use of fossil fuels and a lack of environmental protection [ 1 ]. Solar photovoltaic (PV) has become the principal source of electricity in several economies, where PV systems contribute significantly to total power production along with other sources, such as fossil fuels and nuclear power [ 3 , 4 ].…”

“…Furthermore, some criteria when designing an SHC include the environmental criteria standards, cost-effectiveness, and technical aspects [ 26 , 27 , 28 ]. Moreover, the efficiency of the SHC device can vary depending on the design, the fluid inside the SHC, and the material of the collector and the absorber [ 1 , 29 ]. Some SHC devices utilize mirrors or reflecting materials to increase the heat and the solar power for a small volume so the energy can be converted into heat and then used to generate electricity.…”

“…In a recent research effort presented by some of the authors, a solar-driven thermomechanical actuator have been proposed [ 1 , 34 , 35 ]. The proposed actuator has shown a thermal to mechanical conversion efficiency of about 19.15%, where the actuator produces about 150 N and 130 mm [ 34 , 35 ].…”

“…The proposed actuator has shown a thermal to mechanical conversion efficiency of about 19.15%, where the actuator produces about 150 N and 130 mm [ 34 , 35 ]. Additionally, the authors have studied the thermal profile in the studied are of Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) details and found that the actuator would properly operates throughout the year and does not require any maintenance routine [ 1 ].…”