How Does a Piezo Actuator Work?

Piezo actuators are electronic components that utilize a substance known as piezoelectric material. These small devices have helped the automotive industry advance its fuel consumption conservation and power levels for engines.

Function

A piezo actuator employs the piezoelectric effect to function. Inside the component are solids formed in crystal shapes. These shapes are structured in a way that makes them vulnerable to an electrical field. Once this field is situated near the crystal structures, they begin to adjust in their shape, which creates a vibration harnessed and used in conjunction with other components for an electronic device.

Significance

Piezo actuators have been used to advance engine efficiency though applications in fuel injection systems for both diesel and gasoline. In addition, they also help limit emissions produced by vehicles.

Interesting Fact

Piezo actuators have been altered and developed for different applications, most notably to allow the input voltage to vary from 1 volt to 170 volts, depending on where the component is being installed and for what purpose.

References

• Orlin: Piezo technology - How they work
• Epcos: Multilayer Piezo Actuators