Dielectric Elastomer Transducer Partial Discharge Suppression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dielectric elastomer transducers are susceptible to partial discharge and corona, which lead to degradation and a shortened lifespan due to high electrical field gradients, with no prior art addressing this issue effectively.
Innovation Solution
The use of a partial discharge suppressant coating or encapsulant is applied to regions with steep electrical gradients to minimize electrical stress and exclude air, thereby reducing the occurrence of partial discharge and corona.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If dielectric elastomer transducers operate at high voltages to achieve desired actuation performance, then power density and force output are improved, but partial discharge and corona occur due to high electrical field gradients, leading to degradation and shortened lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
A conformal coating layer is applied to the dielectric elastomer transducer to serve as an intermediary between the high-voltage electrode and the external environment. This coating mediates the electrical field distribution, reducing field gradients at the surface and preventing partial discharge and corona effects, thereby extending transducer lifespan while maintaining high voltage operation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The conformal coating creates an inert protective environment around the dielectric elastomer transducer, isolating it from atmospheric conditions that would otherwise facilitate corona discharge. This protective barrier allows the transducer to operate at high voltages without direct exposure to air, preventing oxidative degradation and electrical breakdown
2Reliability
If the electrode geometry is made smoother to reduce partial discharge, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the electrode geometry directly, a conformal coating is applied as an intermediary layer that smooths out electrical field gradients. This approach achieves partial discharge suppression without requiring complex electrode designs, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while improving reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The conformal coating changes the electrical parameters at the transducer surface by providing a uniform dielectric layer that redistributes electrical field intensity. This parameter change reduces field gradients and eliminates partial discharge conditions without altering the physical geometry of the electrodes
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 suppression of partial discharge and corona extends the lifespan of dielectric elastomer transducers by minimizing degradation from electrical stress, ensuring reliable operation under high voltage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Areas of steep gradients in electrical potential favor partial discharges. These include electrode edges, projections extending from an electrode, cracks internal to the electrode, and gas filled microvoids within the dielectric material. Partial discharges through air are particularly damaging to dielectric elastomer transducers. The discharge may be from the electrode into the air, which serves as a virtual ground—a phenomenon commonly called 'corona discharge.'
Implementation Method 2
When a voltage difference is applied to the electrodes, the oppositely-charged electrodes attract each other thereby compressing the polymer dielectric layer therebetween.
Data Source
AI summary
Dielectric elastomer or electroactive polymer film transducers configured to minimize high electrical field gradients that can lead to partial discharge and corona.