An investigation into the development of a miniature Piezoelectric pump

This thesis is aimed at improving the understanding and effectiveness in operating of the micropump in CPAP system. The principle objectives were to understand the air flow rate and air pressure of a micropump designs for the CPAP System. The feasibility of developing a micropump using piezoelectric fans was investigated. Input frequencies and voltages were quantified for different chambers of micropump, discharge air flow rates and air pressure. The effect of these parameters on flow rate and air pressure was determined. To test the effect of air flow and air pressure produced by the micropump, a mathematical model of piezoelectric fan is developed. The experimental results with dynamic characteristics of air flow resulted in the following conclusions. 1. The vibration frequency is influential in determining the attainable pressure compared to the vibration amplitude. 2. The parallel configuration of two piezoelectric fans excited with the same phase yields more flow rate than excited with opposite phase. The parallel configuration yields more flow rate than series configuration, but the series configuration yields higher air pressure. 3. The shapes of the flow channel, inlet and outlet have significant influence on the air flow rate and pressure