Abstract
The piezoelectric device sector is actually not a single sector, but rather
comprises a number of sectors with distinctly different characteristics. The
sectors of most significance are:
- high production volume, piezoelectric device sector consisting of generic
piezoelectric devices such as actuators, motors, sensors, accelerators,
transducers for ultrasonic medical imaging and non-destructive testing
acoustic devices, Lengevin actuators for ultrasonic welding and cleaning,
ceramic resonators, and miscellaneous types of devices designed for special
applications such as transformers, vibration and noise cancellation in
structures limited to different grades of piezoelectric crystals, ceramics
such as PZT, PVDF and composites;
- sonars for military and civil use; and
- niche applications such as energy harvesting, where piezoelectric devices
such as generators offer a unique competitive advantage.
Piezo devices also include ultrasonic motors (USMs), which offer a high
potential for miniaturization. These actuators produce no magnetic field since
the excitation is quasi-electrostatic. Through their specific advantages
compared to conventional electro-magnetic motors, USMs fill a gap in certain
actuator applications. A key advantage of USMs over electromagnetic motors is
their compactness, i.e. their high stall torque-mass ratio and high torque at
low rotational speed, often making speed-reducing gears superfluous.
Additionally, with no voltage applied, an inherent holding torque is present
due to the frictional driving mechanism. It is also worthwhile to mention that
their compactness and the high frequency electrical excitation make quick
responses possible.
REPORT SUMMARY
New applications are emerging for piezoelectric devices, which include
actuators, ultrasonic motors, sensor arrays for structural health monitoring,
transformers and micro energy harvesting devices which are an alternative to
batteries in microwatt devices. Other new applications include high resolution
ultrasonic medical imaging, computer disk drives, and accelerometers in mobile
phones and notebooks.
Unlike other piezo devices, commercialization of piezoelectric-operated
actuators and motors is likely to proceed in those markets where the specific
advantages of high torque, high precision and lack of magnetic interference
are particularly useful. When the costs can be lowered to competitive levels,
and remaining technical problems such as frictional wear can be solved,
piezoelectric motors may also become candidates in areas such as automotive
accessories, where very high volume markets are possible.
The global market for traditional piezoelectric devices is quite mature in
applications. However, the global market for new piezoelectric devices will
see a robust two-digit growth rate in next five years.
Major findings of this report are:
- The global market for the existing eleven generic types of piezoelectric
devices now equals US $10.6 billion and is expected to reach $19.5 billion by
2012
- Among the nine markets, information technology/robots (31.7%), is the
clear leader, followed by semiconductor manufacturing and precision machines
(18.6%), sonar (12.5%), and bio/medical (11.1%). Other sectors that complete
the total market are ecology and energy harvesting (7%), accelerators and
sensors (5.8%), non-destructive testing (5.7%) and miscellaneous (gas
igniters, piezo printing heads, telecommunication devices) (4.5%), acoustic
devices and resonators(3.1%)
- New devices such as piezoelectric generators will see the highest growth
rate, estimated to be 51.5% annually. This category is followed by ceramic
resonators (27.5%); miscellaneous applications (high voltage devices-gas
igniters, piezoelectric elements in laser mirror alignments, acousto-optic
modulators, piezoelectric drivers and piezoelectric amplifiers (19.8%);
accelerators and sensors (14%); ultrasonic motors (13.4%); and
transformers(13.6%). Ultrasonic motors will see 14.6% growth over five years.
- Traditional devices also will see growth, including acoustic devices
(13.6%), actuators for computer disk drives (11.6%); Langevin actuators for
welding and cleaning (14.6%); sonars (6.75%), transducers (14%); and gas
igniters, piezo printing heads, diesel injectors, and piezo amplifiers (19.8%).
- In 2007, Japan has the highest market share of 26%, followed by Europe
with 24%, china with 18%, North America with 14%, Korea with 8% and the rest
of the world with 10%. By 2012, china will occupy second position ahead of
Europe, with a 22% share of the global market.
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