In the heart of Bangkok, a quiet revolution is underway, one that could reshape the way small and medium enterprises (SMEs) approach drilling and material penetration tasks. Prach Asavanarakul, a researcher affiliated with an undisclosed institution, has designed and implemented an ultrasonic inverter for use with drilling machines, promising to boost efficiency and reduce time spent on material penetration. The research, published in the RMUTL Engineering Journal (translated from Thai as Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Engineering Journal), is a testament to the power of innovation in the construction and energy sectors.
Asavanarakul’s ultrasonic inverter is a marvel of modern engineering. It utilizes a 500 V 20 A power MOSFET in conjunction with a bridge rectifier and switching transformer to drive ultrasonic waves at frequencies of 25 kHz, 40 kHz, 60 kHz, 100 kHz, and 120 kHz, with electric power up to 1.1 kW. The inverter was then integrated into a drilling machine and tested on four different materials: 1 mm steel sheet, 1.5 mm stainless steel sheet, 1 mm aluminum sheet, and 2 mm acrylic sheet.
The results were striking. “Ultrasonic penetration was faster than non-ultrasonic penetration in all types of sample materials,” Asavanarakul noted. The time spent in drilling, from least to most, was 25 kHz, 40 kHz, 60 kHz, 100 kHz, 120 kHz, and without ultrasonic, respectively. This means that the ultrasonic inverter could significantly reduce the time and effort required for drilling tasks, a boon for industries where precision and efficiency are paramount.
The implications for the energy sector are particularly compelling. In an industry where time is money, the ability to reduce drilling time could translate to substantial cost savings. Moreover, the ultrasonic inverter’s ability to penetrate a variety of materials suggests that it could be a versatile tool in the energy sector’s arsenal, from drilling for geothermal energy to maintaining and repairing infrastructure.
Asavanarakul’s research is a reminder that innovation often comes from unexpected places. As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and the need for sustainable energy, such innovations could play a crucial role in shaping the future of the energy sector. The research, published in the RMUTL Engineering Journal, is a beacon of hope, a testament to the power of human ingenuity in the face of complex challenges.
The question now is, how will the industry respond? Will SMEs and larger corporations alike embrace this technology, or will it remain a niche tool for specialists? One thing is clear: Asavanarakul’s ultrasonic inverter has opened a door, and the energy sector would do well to step through it. The future of drilling and material penetration may well be ultrasonic, and the journey has only just begun.