Shape memory alloy actuators and thermal management systems including the same

A shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, comprising:

• an SMA lifting tube that includes and extends between a first end and a second end and that is configured to be in thermal communication with a process fluid during operative use of the SMA actuator;
• and
• a process fluid conduit configured to convey a process fluid flow of the process fluid;
• wherein the process fluid conduit includes a supply conduit and a return conduit;
• and wherein one or both of the supply conduit and the return conduit includes the SMA lifting tube;
• wherein the SMA actuator is configured such that the process fluid flows through the SMA lifting tube during operative use of the SMA actuator;
• wherein the SMA actuator is configured to assume a conformation among a plurality of conformations defined between and including a first conformation and a second conformation;
• wherein the conformation of the SMA actuator is based, at least in part, on a temperature of the process fluid that is in thermal communication with the SMA lifting tube during operative use of the SMA actuator;
• wherein the SMA lifting tube is configured such that the second end translates relative to the first end at least partially along a lateral direction that is at least substantially perpendicular to at least a portion of the SMA lifting tube between the first end and the second end as the SMA actuator transitions between the first conformation and the second conformation;
• wherein the first end is configured to be operatively coupled to a first coupled component;
• wherein the second end is configured to be operatively coupled to a second coupled component;
• wherein the SMA actuator is configured to translate one or both of the first coupled component and the second coupled component relative to the other of the first coupled component and the second coupled component at least partially along the lateral direction as the SMA actuator transitions between the first conformation and the second conformation;
• and wherein the process fluid conduit is configured such that the process fluid flow flows:
• (i) through the supply conduit to the second coupled component;
• (ii) through the second coupled component from the supply conduit to the return conduit;
• and
• (iii) through the return conduit away from the second coupled component.