ELEKTROAKTIVE POLYMEREINRICHTUNGEN FÜR BEWEGLICHE FLUIDE

摘要

The invention describes devices for performing thermodynamic work on a fluid, such as pumps (340), compressors and fans. The thermodynamic work may be used to provide a driving force for moving the fluid. Work performed on the fluid may be transmitted to other devices, such as a piston in a hydraulic actuation device. The devices may include one or more electroactive polymer transducers (341) with an electroactive polymer (341) that deflects in response to an application of an electric field. The electroactive polymer (341) may be used to perform thermodynamic work on the fluid. The devices may be designed to efficiently operate at a plurality of operating conditions, such as operating conditions that produce an acoustic signal above or below the human hearing range. The devices may be used in thermal control systems, such as refrigeration system, cooling systems and heating systems.