Investigation of the effects of different parameters on the performance of a thermal motor fabricated using shape memory alloy actuators
Thermal motors are used to generate mechanical energy using heated water produced by different equipment, without environmental pollutions. In this paper, a thermal engine is first designed and manufactured using Nitinol wires. Then, the effects of different parameters on angular velocity, output torque and engine rotation time are investigated. The results show that increasing hot-water temperature and decreasing cold-water temperature increase the angular velocity. However, as long as transformations get completed, these parameters have a neglectable effect on the torque. In addition, increasing the wires’ diameter and number and using the friction-reducer beads, increase the output torque and angular velocity. It is also observed that decreasing the transformation temperature increases the duration of rotation and angular velocity of the engine. The maximum angular velocity is related to a certain position of the fixed constraints. The maximum torque and angular velocity are calculated to be about 20.601 N.mm and 58 rpm respectively.