Actuators and Actuation
System
Dr. Tilok Kumar Das
Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering, CUET.
Actuation System
Actuation systems are the elements of control systems which are responsible for transforming the output of a
microprocessor or control system into a controlling action on a machine or device.
Electromechanical actuators are used to efficiently convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Magnetism is
the basis of their principles of operation. They use permanent magnets, electromagnets, and exploit the
electromagnetic phenomenon in order to produce the actuation. Electromechanical actuators are DC, AC and
stepper motors.
Fluid power refers to energy that is transmitted via a fluid under pressure. Hydraulic and pneumatic actuators are
under fluid power actuators.
Materials, which undergo some sort of transformations through physical interactions, are referred to as Active
materials. The principle of operation (actuation) of these actuators is based on the fact that they make use of
properties of the material from which they have been constructed. Currently available active materials are
piezoelectric material, shape-memory alloys, magnetostrictive materials, electrorheological fluids, etc.
Pneumatic and Hydraulic systems
Pneumatics is the term used when compressed air is used. Pneumatic signals are
often used to control final control elements, even when the control system is
otherwise electrical. This is because such signals can be used to actuate large valves
and other high-power control devices and so move significant loads. The main
drawback with pneumatic systems is, however, the compressibility of air.
Hydraulics when a liquid, typically oil. Hydraulic systems can be used for even
higher power control devices but are more expensive than pneumatic systems and
there are hazards associated with oil leaks which do not occur with air leaks.
Hydraulic systems
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Pneumatic systems
Directional Control Valves
Directional control valves: Spool valve
Directional control valves: Poppet valve
Pneumatic actuators
Pneumatic actuators are the devices that causes things to move by taking the advantage of potential
energy. The actuators in their conventional form are basically called pneumo-mechanical devices
In view of their motion, only two types of actuators such as linear and angular types, are
manufactured.
Single-rod Single-acting Type Actuator
Single-rod Double Acting Actuators
Linear Double-rod Double Acting Type Actuator
Linear Rodless Double Acting
Piezoelectric actuator
Piezoelectric materials are called active materials. Piezoelectric actuator is an actuator that uses
piezoelectric materials. The piezoelectric material undergoes a dimensional change when voltage is
applied. The dimensional change is utilized to produce actuation.
Piezoelectric actuator design is based on reverse principle, i.e. the material can be used to convert
electrical energy into mechanical energy. The conversion of electrical energy into mechanical motion takes
place without utilizing magnetic field or moving electrical contacts (Commutator and brush), as is seen in
case of electric motor based actuating systems. Magnetic field and moving contacts are susceptible to
interference and wear respectively.
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The magnetomechanical properties of the materials are dependent on temperature. Typical ranges
of operations are from –280 to +600 degree Celsius.