Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) are a very promising technology for the development of energy harvesting devices based on the variable-capacitance electrostatic generator principle. As compared to other technologies, DE Generators (DEGs) are solid-state energy conversion systems which potentially feature: 1) large energy densities, 2) good energy conversion efficiency that is rather independent of cycle frequency, 3) easiness of manufacturing and assembling, 4) high shock resistance, 5) silent operation, 6) low cost. Envisioned applications for DEGs are in devices that convert ocean wave energy into usable electricity.This paper introduces the Lozenge-Shaped DEG (LS-DEG) that is a specific type of planar DE transducer with one degree of freedom. A LS-DEG consists of a planar DE membrane that is connected along its perimeter to the links of a parallelogram four-bar mechanism. As the mechanism is put into reciprocal motion, the DE membrane varies its capacitance that is then employed as a charge pump to convert external mechanical work into usable electricity.Specifically, this paper describes the functioning principle of LS-DEGs, and provides a comparison between different hyper-elastic models that can be used to predict the energy harvesting performances of realistic prototypes. Case studies are presented which address the constrained optimization of LS-DEGs subjected to failure criteria and practical design constraints.

Modeling and Control of Lozenge-Shaped Dielectric Elastomer Generators / Moretti, G; Fontana, M; Vertechy, R. - ELETTRONICO. - 1: Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Materials; Modeling, Simulation and Control of Adaptive Systems; Integrated System Design and Implementation:(2014), pp. SMASIS2013-3258.V001T03A039-SMASIS2013-3258.V001T03A039-10. (Intervento presentato al convegno ASME 2013 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems tenutosi a Snowbird, Utah nel SEP 16-18, 2013) [10.1115/SMASIS2013-3258].

Modeling and Control of Lozenge-Shaped Dielectric Elastomer Generators

Vertechy, R
2014

Abstract

Dielectric Elastomers (DEs) are a very promising technology for the development of energy harvesting devices based on the variable-capacitance electrostatic generator principle. As compared to other technologies, DE Generators (DEGs) are solid-state energy conversion systems which potentially feature: 1) large energy densities, 2) good energy conversion efficiency that is rather independent of cycle frequency, 3) easiness of manufacturing and assembling, 4) high shock resistance, 5) silent operation, 6) low cost. Envisioned applications for DEGs are in devices that convert ocean wave energy into usable electricity.This paper introduces the Lozenge-Shaped DEG (LS-DEG) that is a specific type of planar DE transducer with one degree of freedom. A LS-DEG consists of a planar DE membrane that is connected along its perimeter to the links of a parallelogram four-bar mechanism. As the mechanism is put into reciprocal motion, the DE membrane varies its capacitance that is then employed as a charge pump to convert external mechanical work into usable electricity.Specifically, this paper describes the functioning principle of LS-DEGs, and provides a comparison between different hyper-elastic models that can be used to predict the energy harvesting performances of realistic prototypes. Case studies are presented which address the constrained optimization of LS-DEGs subjected to failure criteria and practical design constraints.
2014
PROCEEDINGS OF THE ASME CONFERENCE ON SMART MATERIALS, ADAPTIVE STRUCTURES, AND INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS - 2013
V001T03A039
V001T03A039-10
Modeling and Control of Lozenge-Shaped Dielectric Elastomer Generators / Moretti, G; Fontana, M; Vertechy, R. - ELETTRONICO. - 1: Development and Characterization of Multifunctional Materials; Modeling, Simulation and Control of Adaptive Systems; Integrated System Design and Implementation:(2014), pp. SMASIS2013-3258.V001T03A039-SMASIS2013-3258.V001T03A039-10. (Intervento presentato al convegno ASME 2013 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems tenutosi a Snowbird, Utah nel SEP 16-18, 2013) [10.1115/SMASIS2013-3258].
Moretti, G; Fontana, M; Vertechy, R
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11585/628155
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