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3-dimensional fabrication of soft energy harvesters

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

Authors

Thomas G McKay

Jonathan M Rossiter

Benjamin M O'Brien

Iain A Anderson



Contributors

Yoseph Bar-Cohen
Editor

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.

Citation

Walters, P., McKay, T. G., Rossiter, J. M., O'Brien, B. M., & Anderson, I. A. (2013). 3-dimensional fabrication of soft energy harvesters. In Y. Bar-Cohen (Ed.), Proceedings of SPIE Volume 8687. USA: SPIE

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