Murata Develops Thinnest in the World!
Micro-Pump MZP Series for Mobile Equipment Fuel Cells
March 10, 2010
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
President/ Statutory Representative Director: Tsuneo Murata
Overview
Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. has developed a
small-sized fluid conveyance device Micro-pump MZP Series. We
integrated our piezoelectric element technology, mechanical design
technology and fluid simulation technologies to achieve an
ultra-thin type product.
With dimensions of 24x33x1.325mm, this product
is an ultra-thin fluid conveyance pump, the thinnest micro-pump for
fuel cells ever to be developed. Additionally, this product uses
over 90% less power than conventional pumps, contributing to the
overall energy efficiency of equipment. In addition to fuel cells
for mobile equipment, other applications for this product are also
being explored.
Background
The popularity of mobile equipment such as
mobile phones and laptop computers has created a demand for even
smaller batteries and power supplies with higher capacities. The
direct-methanol fuel cell (DMFC) is expected to fulfill this need,
although peripheral circuits miniaturization, including pumps, and
decreasing power consumption have been obstacles to its
commercialization.
Until now, there have been no pumps satisfying
the above mentioned requirements. By applying the piezoelectric
ceramic principle, a vibration is generated when current is
applied. Therefore, Murata has succeeded in commercializing a
micro-pump that is small-sized , thin with low power-consumption,
capable of being used in fuel cells for mobile equipment.
By continuing to supply the market with original
devices like this one, Murata hopes to contribute to the
development of the small fuel cell market. We will also work to
develop small mechatronics- devices that will contribute to the
miniaturization and reduction of power consumption in a variety of
fields.
Features
- Ultra-thin
Our molding and forming technologies have resulted in a product
24x33x1.325mm in size, the thinnest ever to be developed for use in
fuel cells
- High pressure
Air suction pressure of over 6kPa and high fluid discharge pressure
of over 35kPa
- Low power consumption
With our ceramics technology, we have achieved a product that uses
90% less power than conventional pumps and that work with a lower
driving voltage than typically seen (12Vp-p (±6V)).
Applications
Fuel cells used in mobile phones, laptop
computers, and other mobile equipment.
Characteristics
Main Characteristics
| |
General Characteristics (Reference) |
| Performance |
Rated voltage |
12Vp-p (±6V) |
| Flow rate |
1μL/s (1Hz) |
| Fluid discharge pressure |
35kPa (min.) |
| Air suction pressure |
6kPa (min.) |
| Operating frequency range |
1Hz-15Hz |
| External size |
24 x 33 x 1.325 |
External Size
Patents
5 patents pending
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