Innovative power generator using dielectric elastomers (creating the foundations of an environmentally sustainable society)

Abstract

Power generation using dielectric elastomer (DE) artificial muscle has attracted attention because it is light-weight, low-cost and high-efficiency. This method generates carbon dioxide-free electric power without exhausting rare earth materials or contributing to global warming, earning it the status of an eco-friendly system.This paper considers the opportunities for a DE generator system, namely using them to create the foundations of a Recycling Energy Society. If these opportunities are to be commercially successful, they will have to leverage the DE's advantages over conventional technologies. In this paper, we discuss two ways to use DEs more practically in applications: 1) point power generation, in which a single DE is used alone, and 2) distributed power generation, in which a large number of DEs are gathered as one cluster and distributed. We will also discuss the current status and future of DE generators.