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Materials Congress 2018
Page 87
Nano Research & Applications
ISSN: 2471-9838
W o r l d C o n g r e s s o n
Materials Science & Engineering
A u g u s t 2 3 - 2 5 , 2 0 1 8
Am s t e r d a m , N e t h e r l a n d s
T
he wave power generation has attracted attention as one of useful utilization methods for ocean energy. However, the
conventional wave generators are large, expensive, and unable to efficiently generate electric power with small amplitude
waves, limiting their widespread usage. To solve these problems, we would discuss the possibilities for a wave power generator
using dielectric elastomer (DE) recently developed as a novel method for harvesting renewable energy. DE is a new smart material
technology with characteristics and properties not seen in other materials. The basic element of DEs is a very simple structure
comprised of thin polymer films (elastomers) sandwiched by two electrodes made of a stretchable material. DEs can operate as
an electrically-powered actuator. When a voltage difference is applied between the electrodes, they are attracted to each other by
electrostatic forces leading to a thickness-wise contraction and plane-wise expansion of the elastomer. The use of a DE actuator
in the reverse mode, in which deformation of the elastomer by external mechanical work is used to generate electrical energy,
has been gaining more attention. As DE is very light, inexpensive, and easily formed into multiple layered structures, it can make
a very simple and robust direct drive wave power system that is economically viable. DE has moved now from the research and
development stage to the commercial domain with research and development on practical applications, and furthermore to the
mass production stage.
epam@hyperdrive-web.comInnovative wave power generator system using
dielectric elastomer
Seiki A Chiba, Mikio Waki
1
Chiba Science Institute, Japan
2
WITS Inc., Japan
Nano Res Appl 2018, Volume: 4
DOI: 10.21767/2471-9838-C4-018