Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Nano SystemsFor different fluidic actuator concepts, it is necessary to carry out a regular or permanent monitoring of the components and systems. This is relevant, above all for the control of the actuators with regard to changes of the environmental conditions as well as for health monitoring of the overall system. At Fraunhofer ENAS, concepts are being studied in which different sensors like pressure sensors, flow sensors and strain sensors are integrated in order to monitor the performance and the state of the entire system, the structure and even single components.
Another step is the integration of the electronics and the required communication interfaces into global systems in order to fully reflect the idea of "Smart Systems Integration" even for active flow control.
Concepts are developed in various projects to adapt the electronics to aviation requirements and design appropriate control networks. For example, to control multiple actuators with low information overhead and to use them for new applications, such as the active flow control in closed loop control circuits.