Wind Power Micro-Generator Using Dielectric Electric Active Polymer

Abstract

Wind power is emerging as a particularly attractive form of renewable energy. Dielectric Electric Active Polymers (DEAP) has shown great potential as actuator materials. Their predomination has been shown to operate in transforming mechani­cal to electrical energy in a generator mode. This work investigates the principle of wind power dielectric electro active polymer generator, simulation and experimental verification of the phenomenon. Dielectric Electro Active Polymer have proved to provide electrical energy with density as high as 1.5J.g-1.This value is very important compared to the density available with piezoelectric polymer (0.3J.g-1). The prototype has been set up on the DEAP wind power generator in the article. It is a membrane with an area of 1.5 m2 and 30μm in thickness, which is fabricated by Danfoss PolyPower A/S using smart compliant electrode technology in conjunction with a silicone elastomer. In the last part of this article, experimental results are detailed with our prototype for wind application.