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Dielectric Elastomer Generator for Electromechanical Energy Conversion: A Mini Review

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  • Kui Di

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Kunwei Bao

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Haojie Chen

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Xinjun Xie

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Jianbo Tan

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Yixing Shao

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Yongxiang Li

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Wenjun Xia

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Zisheng Xu

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

  • Shiju E

    (College of Engineering, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321004, China
    Key Laboratory of Urban Rail Transit Intelligent Operation and Maintenance Technology & Equipment of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang 321005, China)

Abstract

The dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) has attracted attention in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, due to its high energy density, fast response, and light weight, which together make DEG a promising technology for electromechanical conversion. In this article, recent research papers on DEG are reviewed. First, we present the working principles, parameters, materials, and deformation modes of DEG. Then, we introduce DEG prototypes in the field of collecting mechanical energy, including small-scale applications for wind energy and human motion energy, and large-scale applications for wave energy. At the end of the review, we discuss the challenges and perspectives of DEG. We believe that DEG will play an important role in mechanical energy harvesting in the future.

Suggested Citation

  • Kui Di & Kunwei Bao & Haojie Chen & Xinjun Xie & Jianbo Tan & Yixing Shao & Yongxiang Li & Wenjun Xia & Zisheng Xu & Shiju E, 2021. "Dielectric Elastomer Generator for Electromechanical Energy Conversion: A Mini Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-17, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:17:p:9881-:d:628016
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Fan, Peng & Zhu, Liangquan & Zhu, Zicai & Chen, Hualing & Chen, Wei & Hu, Hong, 2021. "Predicting energy harvesting performance of a random nonlinear dielectric elastomer pendulum," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 289(C).
    2. Tom Krupenkin & J. Ashley Taylor, 2011. "Reverse electrowetting as a new approach to high-power energy harvesting," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 2(1), pages 1-8, September.
    3. Moretti, Giacomo & Santos Herran, Miguel & Forehand, David & Alves, Marco & Jeffrey, Henry & Vertechy, Rocco & Fontana, Marco, 2020. "Advances in the development of dielectric elastomer generators for wave energy conversion," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 117(C).
    4. Moretti, Giacomo & Malara, Giovanni & Scialò, Andrea & Daniele, Luca & Romolo, Alessandra & Vertechy, Rocco & Fontana, Marco & Arena, Felice, 2020. "Modelling and field testing of a breakwater-integrated U-OWC wave energy converter with dielectric elastomer generator," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 146(C), pages 628-642.
    5. Fan, Kangqi & Zhang, Yiwei & Liu, Haiyan & Cai, Meiling & Tan, Qinxue, 2019. "A nonlinear two-degree-of-freedom electromagnetic energy harvester for ultra-low frequency vibrations and human body motions," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 138(C), pages 292-302.
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    Cited by:

    1. Seiki Chiba & Mikio Waki, 2022. "Possibility of a Portable Power Generator Using Dielectric Elastomers and a Charging System for Secondary Batteries," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-17, August.
    2. Lai, Zhihui & Xu, Junchen & Fang, Shitong & Qiao, Zijian & Wang, Suo & Wang, Chen & Huang, Zhangjun & Zhou, Shengxi, 2023. "Energy harvesting from a hybrid piezo-dielectric vibration energy harvester with a self-priming circuit," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 273(C).

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