Performance enhancement of the synchronous micropump based on experimental and numerical investigations of the magnetic field flux density in planar microcoils

Abstract

This study presents numerical and experimental investigations targeting enhancing the magnetic field flux magnitudes in electroplated copper microcoils. Improved designs are used in the development of a new generation of the electromagnetic-based synchronous micropump in order to enhance its performance (i.e. the maximum achievable output pressure and flow rate). The synchronous micropump concept is based on managing the movement of two magnets in an annular fluidic channel. The magnets’ rotation is achieved by sequentially activating a set of three-dimensional microcoils to repel or attract one magnet (travelling piston) through the channel, whereas the second one is anchored between the inlet and the outlet ports (valve piston). At the end of each pumping cycle, the magnets exchange their functions. To achieve the maximum achievable output pressure and flow rate, higher magnetic fields without exceeding the material temperature limitation are required. The stronger the magnetic fields that can be generated, the higher the hydraulic power that the pump can deliver. The microcoil conductor width and height were optimized to generate higher magnetic field flux intensity within the pump limitation parameters (i.e. pump footprint and coils’ maximum heat dissipation limit). The new generation of the synchronous pump was run at a rotational speed of up to 800 rpm and provided a maximum flow rate of 3.56 ml/min and a maximum pressure head of 687 Pa.