Frequency domain analysis of droplet-based electrostatic transducers

Abstract

Squeezing a water droplet between two electrodes can generate a potential difference by converting some of the mechanical energy in vibrations into electrical energy. By utilizing the high capacitance inherent to electric double layers, and the surface charging at a polymer/water interface, we demonstrate a sensor that generates up to 892 mV peak-to-peak between 1 and 100 Hz, in response to a 250 μm deformation. This frequency response is described and explained using a linearized model in which the interfacial charge acts as the priming voltage, removing the need for external charging normally required in capacitive generators. The model suggests how to design the cell for maximum power output and provides an intuitive understanding of the high pass nature of the sensor. It successfully predicts the point of maximum power transfer.