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Analyses and comparison of an energy harvesting system for dielectric elastomer generators using a passive harvesting concept: the voltage-clamped multi-phase system

2015; SPIE; Volume: 9430; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1117/12.2084316

1996-756X

Rick van Kessel, Ambroise Wattez, Pavol Bauer,

Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

This work investigates a passive Dielectric Elastomer Generator harvesting system which uses only diodes at the generator level. The resulting voltage-clamped topology is presented and its operating principles are explained. Analytical analyses using charge-voltage diagrams form the basis for quantifying the energy output and optimizing the bus voltages. It is shown that for most cycles the energy output tends to be lower compared to active harvesting systems with dedicated converters for each generator, yet the maturity and simplicity make it a preferred solution for short-term deployment. An outlook towards industrialization applied to SBM Offshore's S3 Wave Energy Converter highlights the advantages of the passive system: simple, robust and low-cost operation using reliable and proven components.