Maximum Energy that can be Harvested from a Dielectric Elastomer Generator

MRS Online Proceedings Library volume 1218, Article number: 710 (2009) Cite this article

Abstract

Mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy using a dielectric elastomer generator (DEG). The maximum amount of energy that can be harvested from a DEG is constrained by various modes of failure and operational limits. Known limiting mechanisms include electrical breakdown, electromechanical instability, loss of tension and rupture by stretch. These limits define a cycle where maximum energy can be harvested. The cycle was represented on work-conjugate planes, which can be used as a guide for the design of practical cycles. The amount of energy harvested is larger when a DEG is subject to equal-biaxial stretching.

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Affiliations

  1. School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA

    S. J. A. Koh

  2. Institute of High Performance Computing, 1 Fusionopolis Way, #16-16 Connexis, Singapore, 138632, P. R. China

    S. J. A. Koh

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  1. S. J. A. Koh
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Correspondence to S. J. A. Koh.

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Koh, S.J.A. Maximum Energy that can be Harvested from a Dielectric Elastomer Generator. MRS Online Proceedings Library 1218, 710 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1557/PROC-1218-Z07-10

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