In the image, the new vibration. Photo: IMV Corporation.
The vibrations to which many materials undergo as the wings of an airplane, cars, or buildings exposed to possible earthquakes, breaking even cause severe wear. To avoid this during the design stage and qualification of these materials and components are made complex vibration tests (Vibration testing) using vibration systems commonly called “Shakers.”
These “shakers” are formed by a cylindrical fixed part, which contains an electromagnetic field created by a continuous electrical current, and an armature, which supports the material exposed to the vibration test. In the coils of the armature current is applied to cause movement and then simulate the vibration.
The main problem of current vibration systems is their high energy consumption caused by large energy losses arising from mechanical and electrical operation and cooling systems used to control its temperature. If we add to the vibration tests of some materials may last several weeks, and must be running continuously, it seems undeniable that it requires a change in the current vibration systems, to improve their energy efficiency by getting adapt energy expenditure for each type of testing vibration, depending on the material and the type of vibration that will be submitted.
IMDEA Energy researchers, this development proposes to incorporate the current model a new technology for intelligent system management. Through the use of computer networks to distribute information, check levels of electrical current applied to vibrating systems, managing the energy required in each case, reducing consumption and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions .
Since not all materials need to be exposed to the same levels of vibration, designed computer network will be able to regulate the power level needed for each test, matching, in turn, the rate applied in refrigeration systems used to control temperature level.
The importance of this project is much higher in a country like Spain, where to produce one unit of gross domestic product is consumed more energy than the average for European countries.
The National Action Plan for Renewable Energies in Spain (NREAPs) 2011-2020 is categorical on this point by stating that “promotion of savings and energy efficiency as a crucial tool, as its net worth is positive for society from same origin, involving simply consume less energy to produce the same. This is achieved by improving patterns of consumption or production methods. ”