Electronic Control System for Optimized Resonance Operation of Dielectric Elastomer Pumps through Self-Sensing

In this work, a powerful electronic control system is developed for a dielectric elastomer (DE) pump, enabling it to achieve performance levels comparable to existing conventional pumps through resonance operation. The system incorporates a self-sensing approach to reconstruct the load pressure based on the pump's dynamic behavior. Using this approach, an optimal resonance operation is developed, where the resonance frequency adjusts according to the load pressure. This adaptive control strategy enables efficient operation by maintaining the pump in its resonance range, significantly improving energy efficiency and pumping performance. The presented solution highlights the potential of DE pumps to operate effectively without the need for external sensors, making them a promising alternative to conventional pumps for various applications.