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Generating Electricity with Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing Electrostatic (HASEL) Transducers

Author

Listed:
  • Isabel Hess

    (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Stephen Chamot

    (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401, USA)

  • Blake Boren

    (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401, USA)

  • Patrick Musgrave

    (Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

Abstract

This study identifies hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducers as electricity generators, contrary to their conventional role as actuators. HASELs are soft, variable-capacitance transducers inspired by biological muscles which were developed to mimic the flexibility and functionality of natural muscle tissues. This research characterizes HASELs as generators by reversing their energy conversion mechanism—generating electricity through mechanical deformation. The study assesses the practical laboratory performance of HASELs by analytic modeling and experimental evaluation. Outcomes of the study include the following: (i) up to 2.5 mJ per cycle per 50 mm wide HASEL pouch of positive net energy generation in experimental testing—corresponding to an energy density of 2.0 mJ cm −3 ; (ii) a maximum theoretical energy density of 4.2 mJ cm −3 ; (iii) the electromechanical characteristics governing efficient conversion; and (iv) design considerations to enhance HASEL generator performance in future applications. This study broadens HASEL’s applicability and utility as a multi-functional transducer for renewable energy and general adaptive electricity generation.

Suggested Citation

  • Isabel Hess & Stephen Chamot & Blake Boren & Patrick Musgrave, 2024. "Generating Electricity with Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing Electrostatic (HASEL) Transducers," Energies, MDPI, vol. 17(23), pages 1-17, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:17:y:2024:i:23:p:6130-:d:1537288
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yufeng Chen & Huichan Zhao & Jie Mao & Pakpong Chirarattananon & E. Farrell Helbling & Nak-seung Patrick Hyun & David R. Clarke & Robert J. Wood, 2019. "Controlled flight of a microrobot powered by soft artificial muscles," Nature, Nature, vol. 575(7782), pages 324-329, November.
    2. James Salvador Niffenegger & Blake Boren, 2023. "Numerical Methods to Evaluate Hyperelastic Transducers: Hexagonal Distributed Embedded Energy Converters," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(24), pages 1-30, December.
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