An investigation of energy harvesting using electrostrictive polymers

Kailiang Ren, Yiming Liu, Heath Hofmann, Qiming Zhang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

Owing to their low acoustic impedance, high elastic energy density, and relatively high electromechanical conversion efficiency, the electroactive polymers have begun to show the potential for energy harvesting or mechanical to electrical energy conversion. In addition, due to the electromechanical coupling in these materials the electric and mechanical properties of these polymers will depend on the imposed electrical and mechanical conditions. This paper discusses how to utilizing this unique property to maximum the energy conversion efficiency and the harvested electrical energy density in the electrostrictive polymers. As an example, we demonstrate that when a properly phased and externally applied electric AC field is superimposed on the mechanical cycle, an output electrical energy density of 39mJ/cm 3 and mechanical-to-electrical conversion efficiency of about 10% can be obtained from the electrostrictive P(VDF-TrFE) based polymers.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Pages37-44
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2006
Event2005 Materials Research Society Fall Meeting - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Nov 28 2005Dec 1 2005

Publication series

NameMaterials Research Society Symposium Proceedings
Volume889
ISSN (Print)0272-9172

Other

Other2005 Materials Research Society Fall Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period11/28/0512/1/05

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Materials Science
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Mechanical Engineering

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