A Review of Novel Architectures of Servovalves Driven by Piezoelectric Actuators

This paper is a thorough review of innovative architectures electro-hydraulic servovalves that exploit actuation systems based on piezo-electric materials. The use commercially available actuators, namely, piezo stacks, amplified rectangular benders, and ring very promising for the main stages pilot given fast response low weight piezoelectric these actuators can also allow novel designs to be developed, thus helping manufacturers overcome typical drawbacks commercial servovalves, such as high complexity internal leakage two-stage well large size direct-drive servovalves. First, used driving are presented in paper, their characteristics thoroughly discussed. present literature then explained compared with ones, performance parameters discussed draw conclusions prospect some by future designs.