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.
Highlights
In recent years, researchers have pursued the study of methods that can convert mechanical energy including wind, wave, and human motion energy into electrical energy.At present, there are five main transduction approaches to converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, including electromagnetic (ES) [1], triboelectric (TE) [2], piezoelectric (PE) [3], reverse electro wetting [4], and dielectric elastomer (DE) [5]
An OWC-wave energy converter (WEC) mainly consists of a semi-submerged hollow structure with an enclosed water column, air chamber, and dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) closed at the top
Recent DEG developments were reviewed, considering different aspects related to materials, deformation modes, and prototypes in the field of collecting mechanical energy, including small scales such as wind energy and human motion energy, and large scales such as wave energy
Summary
Researchers have pursued the study of methods that can convert mechanical energy including wind, wave, and human motion energy into electrical energy. DE generator (DEG) has shown advantages in converting low frequency mechanical energy into electrical energy thanks to their high energy density, large deformation, fast response, and light weight. The high energy density of DEG is at least an order of magnitude higher than electromagnetic and piezoelectric generators [11]. DEG can harvest energy in different situations, ranging from small scales such as human motion and wind energy to large scales such as wave energy [12,13,14,15]. The discussion of energy harvesting based on DEG will be focused mainly on wind, human motion, and wave energy.
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