Abstract
The conceptual design for a portable power source that stores energy in the elastic deformation of carbon nanotubes is presented. The architecture of such a device is comprised of three main system-level components: a CNT-based spring, a generator, and a coupling mechanism between the spring and the generator. A simple model of one possible energy storage device is formulated as a tool to study the feasibility of such a system, the effect of scaling on power output, and the overall efficiency of the system. Energy is stored in a CNT bundle that is stretched in pure axial tension, and an escapement mechanism is used to control the rate of energy release from the system. The stored mechanical energy is converted to electrical energy with a piezoelectric generator. Simulations are run for systems of different size scales, which yield power outputs from 0.4 μW to 4 mW. The efficiency of converting the energy stored in the CNT-based spring to electrical energy approaches 15%. Results of the study show that operating frequency, efficiency, discharge time and power can be acceptable over a range of size scales, leaving some flexibility in the choice of overall size scale, but the high load resistances required to reach high output power favor larger scale systems.
Published Version
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