Piezoelectric bimorph provides solution for battery-less intelligent tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS)

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Issue Date: 27th March 2008

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Morgan Electro Ceramics, a leading manufacturer of electro ceramic material solutions, has developed a piezoelectric bimorph suitable for use in automotive tyre pressure monitoring systems (TPMS). The piezoelectric bimorph enables TPMS manufacturers to design self-energising (battery-less) remote sensors that accurately measure tyre pressure, with none of the lifetime and disposal issues associated with batteries.

The company’s energy-scavenging bimorphs are based on established piezoelectric technology, whereby the movement of the wheel and pressure of the tyre as it hits the ground causes the bimorph to bend and undergo stress, which is then transformed into electrical energy. The bimorphs generate enough electrical energy to power a wireless signal that transmits valuable data about the pressure in the tyre to an on-car receiver.

“It is now mandatory in the USA for all new cars to have a tyre pressure monitoring system installed,” says Ian Edwards, General Manager, Morgan Electro Ceramics, Ruabon. “This is something that has been driven by safety concerns, related to under inflated tyres, but also affects fuel efficiency and tyre life expectancy. At the moment batteries are used to power the sensor and wireless transmitter, but they have limited life and will be required to be replaced and disposed of throughout the life of the vehicle. Our piezo bimorphs give reliable performance that will last the life of the vehicle and therefore greatly reduce on-going costs and reduce the environmental waste.”

Piezoelectric bimorphs also support the development of an intelligent TPMS, which would be capable of collecting more data about the tyre and road conditions and communicating with other systems within the vehicle.

The piezoelectric bimorph component is available in a range of sizes from 15 to 45mm in length and 2 to 15mm in width and can be designed and manufactured to meet custom specifications. The bimorph component can be secured and encased in a plastic housing for installation within the tyre along with the provision of electrical contacts for easy integration with electronics. The company manufactures the component at its site in Ruabon, UK, and is working with a leading global automotive OEM to develop the next generation of tyre pressure monitoring systems.

The piezoelectric properties of Morgan Electro Ceramic’s material make it ideal for use in transducers and sensors. It can be found in numerous automotive applications such as parking aids, wheel balancing, engine knock sensors and ignition systems.

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