Energy Losses In The Penn State Electric Ventricular Assist Device

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate and quantify electronic and mechanical losses in the Penn State Electric Ventricular Assist Device (EVAD) and to improve the mathematical model of the EVAD. Previous studies of the Electric Total Artificial Heart (TAH) estimated power distribution in the device[l]. This study involved more detailed investigation of the motor electronics. Results show that elecrronic losses account for approximately 20% of the energy delivered to the motor during each stroke and that other motor losses account for another 55% of the total. The value of effective armature resistance was shown to be dependent on pulse width duty cycle.