Efficiency Analysis of SMA-Based Actuators: Possibilities of Configuration According to the Application

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators have recently demonstrated their potential for various applications in fields such as robotics, medicine, aerospace, and automotive. Its features, low weight high force, simplicity, noiseless operation, cost compared with other conventional actuator, are only a few advantages of this which is receiving increasing interest among researchers. However, the use these still limited by some characteristics: position error cooling stage when actuator works at frequencies that exceed necessary time electrical energy consumption. Different configurations can help minimize disadvantages through modifying length, number cables, or sheath used modify characteristics complete system. In work, we developed different SMA tested performance terms efficiency stage. The findings demonstrate over-dimensioned more energetically efficient present faster initial form recovery. multi-wires configuration produce better response but less efficient. These conclusions allow selection most appropriate based on requirements each particular application.