Dielectric elastomer generators convert mechanical into electrical energy at high energy density, showing promise for large and small scale energy harvesting. We present an experiment to monitor electrical and mechanical energy flows separately, and show the cycle of energy conversion in work-conjugate planes. A specific electrical energy generated per cycle of 102 mJ/g , at a specific average power of 17 mW/g , is demonstrated with an acrylic elastomer in a showcase generation cycle. The measured mechanical to electrical energy conversion efficiency is 7.5%. The experiment may be used to assess the aptitude of specifically designed elastomers for energy harvesting.

This paper is in press at APL.

Mechanical energy can be converted to electrical energy by using a dielectric elastomer generator.  The elastomer is susceptible to various modes of failure, including electrical breakdown, electromechanical instability, loss of tension, and rupture by stretch.  The modes of failure define a cycle of maximal energy that can be converted.  This cycle is represented on planes of work-conjugate coordinates, and may be used to guide the design of practical cycles.

Dear All,

I am a mechanical engineer by education. This is just a research question. I was seeing a diesel generator employing an old mahindra tractor engine the other day and started wondering if a Maruti 800 engine would be able to work a 10 KVA generator, and wouldnt it be more fuel effecient (and cheaper to make) then one of the generators using an old diesel engine. Any thoughts would be highly appreciated.

Thanks,

Gagandeep Sethi