Optimizing the dielectric elastomer energy harvesting cycles

Conference paper (2010)

Authors

C.L. van Kessel DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage - EEMCS
B. Czech Electrical Power Processing
P. Bauer DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage - EEMCS
Jan Abraham Ferreira Electrical Power Processing
Research Group
DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage (EEMCS) (TU Delft)
Resistance Films Generators Capacitors Converters Potential energy
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Published Date

2010

Language

English

Reuse Rights

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Faculty

Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Department

Electrical Sustainable Energy

Research Group

DC systems, Energy conversion & Storage

Abstract

From an electrical point of view dielectric elastomers are variable capacitors, which are frequently used as generators. The focus of this paper is to show, how the maximum energy gain can be realized by realizing an innovative current waveform to charge and discharge the polymer. Several energy harvesting cycles are introduced and their energy output compared. The most promising cycle has been optimized to increase its production while taking several limiting factors into account.