Dielectric elastomer generator with diaphragm configuration

Abstract

The dielectric elastomer generator (VHB 4905, 3M) with diaphragm configuration was investigated with the constant-voltage harvesting scheme in order to investigate its energy harvesting ability. The maximum energy density and energy conversion efficiency is measured to be 65 J/kg and 5.7%, respectively. The relatively low efficiency indicates that higher energy conversion efficiency is impeded by the viscosity of the acrylic elastomer, suggesting that higher conversion efficiency with new low-viscosity elastomer should be available.