3-dimensional fabrication of soft energy harvesters

Walters, Peter; McKay, Thomas G; Rossiter, Jonathan M; O'Brien, Benjamin M; Anderson, Iain A

Abstract

Dielectric elastomer generators (DEG) provide an opportunity to harvest energy from low frequency sources. Because DEG are soft, deformable, high energy density generators, they can be coupled to complex structures such as the human body to harvest energy.
However, DEG are typically manufactured in a simple planar structure constrained by a rigid frame. This planar arrangement is unlikely to be optimal for harvesting from compliant and/or complex structures. We present a soft generator, fabricated using a 3D printing process. This capability will enable the generator’s 3-dimensional structure to be customised to the energy source, allowing efficient and/or non-invasive coupling.
Conference paper given at Session 5: Energy Harvesting I, Electroactive Polymer Actuators and Devices (EAPAD) XV Conference, San Diego, California, USA, 10 - 14 March 2013.

• Publication Date: Apr 1, 2013
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8687
• Book Title: Proceedings of SPIE Volume 8687
• ISBN: 9780819494702
• Keywords: dielectric elastomer generators, energy, 3D printing process
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/933369
• Publisher URL: http://spie.org/x648.html?product_id=977582