Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning transmission surfaces for optical and sensor surfaces in order to maintain optimal performance under a variety of weather and environmental conditions using synthetic jet actuators. The actuators can emit a jet of water or air depending on environmental conditions and the waveform, frequency, amplitude of the actuator can be adjusted based on particle characteristics and transmission signal quality in order to better clean the surfaces.

Abstract: A clampless synthetic jet actuator includes a cavity layer having an internal cavity for reception of a fluid volume and an orifice providing a fluid communication between the cavity and an external atmosphere; and an oscillatory membrane having a piezoelectric material adapted to deflect the oscillatory membrane in response to an electrical signal. The cavity has an opening in at least one planar surface of the cavity layer, and the cavity layer and the oscillatory membrane are joined by a high strength, low shear modulus adhesive material with the oscillatory membrane positioned adjacent to the planar surface having the cavity opening and adapted as an enclosing surface to said cavity opening. The oscillatory membrane is adapted to compress and expand a volume within the cavity, based on a deflection generated by the piezoelectric material, for generating a fluid flow between the cavity and the external atmosphere through the orifice.

Abstract: A synthetic jet actuator includes a cavity layer having an internal cavity for reception of a fluid volume and an orifice providing a fluid communication between the cavity and an external atmosphere; an oscillatory membrane having a piezoelectric material adapted to deflect the oscillatory membrane in response to an electrical signal; and a controller configured to control delivery of electrical signals to the piezoelectric material for controlling operation of the oscillatory membrane based on input data received from one or more sources that informs on a temperature and/or performance level of a targeted objected for cooling. The actuator may further include a thermal element for affecting modified temperature control; and the actuator may be integrated into a surface of a thermally diffusive structure for dissipating heat from a thermal load.