Dielectric Elastomer Membrane Harvester for Direct Wave Energy Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wave energy harvesting technologies for marine vessels are impractical due to their bulkiness and inefficiencies in converting linear to rotational acceleration, and other energy sources like solar and battery systems have limitations in capacity and environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A dielectric elastomer-based kinetic energy harvesting device with a stack of funnel-shaped membrane layers and a rigid connector rod, which efficiently converts linear motion into electrical energy by stretching and relaxing membrane layers, allowing for continuous energy generation from wave motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional electromagnetic turbines are used for wave harvesting, then wave energy can be converted to electrical energy, but the system becomes too heavy and bulky for practical marine vessel applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electromagnetic turbine systems with a dielectric elastomer generator that uses electrostatic principles instead of electromagnetic induction. This substitution eliminates heavy magnets, coils, and rotational mechanical components, achieving weight and bulk reduction while maintaining wave energy conversion capability through the electrostatic deformation of dielectric elastomer membranes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses thin dielectric elastomer membrane films as the core energy conversion element. These flexible membranes can be stretched and relaxed by wave-induced linear motion, generating electrical charge through electrostatic deformation. The thin-film structure dramatically reduces system weight and bulk compared to rigid electromagnetic turbine components
2Power
If conventional wave harvesting technologies are used, then wave energy can be harvested, but the conversion from linear to rotational acceleration introduces additional inefficiencies
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting linear wave motion to rotational motion as in conventional turbines, this invention inverts the approach by directly utilizing linear acceleration to stretch and relax dielectric elastomer membranes. The system accepts linear motion as the input form and directly converts it to electrical energy through electrostatic deformation, eliminating the inefficient linear-to-rotational conversion step entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotational conversion mechanism with an electrostatic direct conversion system. Dielectric elastomer membranes respond directly to linear acceleration forces through electrostatic deformation, generating electrical charge without requiring rotational motion. This substitution eliminates the energy losses associated with mechanical gear trains and rotational converters
3Power
If solar power systems are used for energy harvesting, then electrical energy can be generated, but a large surface area is required and output is limited by sun availability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the energy harvesting parameter from solar irradiance (area-dependent) to wave kinetic energy (motion-dependent). By utilizing the kinetic energy from wave-induced linear motion to deform dielectric elastomer membranes, the system generates electrical energy without requiring large surface areas or being dependent on solar availability, thereby improving power density per unit area
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves high energy density and efficiency in converting wave energy to electrical energy, reducing the need for fossil fuels and providing a continuous power supply with minimal moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
Each membrane layer can be configured to accumulate electrical charge when cyclically stretched and relaxed
Implementation Method 2
Each membrane layer can be configured to accumulate electrical charge when cyclically stretched and relaxed
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for harvesting kinetic energy. The devices can include a plurality of dielectric elastomeric membranes, a rigid connector rod, and a mountable support base. Membrane layers have a funnel-shape with a narrow opening portion and a wide perimeter portion. Membrane layers are adjacent to other membrane layers having an opposite orientation defined by the narrow opening portion and the wide perimeter portion. The narrow opening portions are coupled to a first end portion of the connector rod. The wide perimeter portions are fixed in relation to the support base. Application of linear force at a second end portion of the connector rod in a first direction causes at least a first membrane layer to stretch. Application of the force in a second direction opposite to the first direction causes at least a second membrane layer adjacent to the first membrane layer to stretch.