electro inductive dampers - Antiseismic devices - Algasism DECS

The Algasism DECS (Devices based on Electro – inductive principle for the Control of Structures) is the first result of research activities performed by Alga in co-operation with the University of Pavia, The Polytechnic of Milano and ENEA on electroinductive dissipators.The innovative concept of dissipating energy by electriciy is very simple: the idea is to dissipate energy by converting the mechanical one into heat. The movement caused by an earthquake is transferred to the device and utilised as primary energy source to generate electric power. Its conversion into heat damps the motion reducing the action on the structure. The Algasism DECS, must be installed on the structures and connected between two points in relative movement during the earthquake excitation. Thanks to these movements, the apparatus develops electric energy (as in the electrical generators). This current is then dissipated in a short circuit and converted into heat.

When compared to hydraulic devices giving similar performance, DECS has the following great advantages

- Maintenance free. DECS don't utilize fluids under pressure or seals. Quite unlimited service life
- Possibility to fit any force and displacement required by the designer
- Immediate response, even with very small displacements. In fact the response does not depend on material compressibility as with hydraulic devices
- No sensitivity to the environment temperature