Dielectric elastomer generator

Abstract

In this project, the performance of the graphite and silver as electrodes on Dielectric

Elastomer Generator (DEG) were studied. With various strains applied on the dielectric layer

as well as the initial voltages applied on the electrodes, the samples were tested and measured.

These results were useful in the analysis for the efficiency of energy harvesting in future.

The fabrication process and the difficulties encountered were elaborated prior to the

commencement of experimental exploration. The working principle and theory for DEG was

covered in literature review which had been used to analyze the experimental data obtained.

There were some findings and verifications through the study.

There were some findings in this project. The efficiency was dependent on the initial charging

voltages and the pre-strains. From the results, the initial primed voltage applied would affect on

the energy generated. The higher initial voltage, the better average energy conversion

performance but up to breakdown limit of individual electrode materials. The best performance

of the voltage generation for both of graphite (340% increment) and silver electrodes (130%

increment) was at 0.5 kV prime voltage. Initial voltage of 1KV looked more representative for

its stability for graphite electrode while the initial voltage of 1.5KV more favourable for silver

electrode. But less effective voltage generated was observed with higher pre-strain.

The voltage and the capacitance were inversely proportional to each other provided the charge

was constant. The change in area under different pre-strain will be measured and the changes

in thickness of dielectric layer were used to calculate the theoretical capacitances. With that,

the estimation of voltage generation could be achieved for given charges.

To quantify the charge loss from DEG was another issue which to be addressed. The

conductivity or resistance of the different electrodes would cause some loss of charge from

DEG. The conductivity of the electrodes and the capacitance of the dielectric layer were also

measured. The results could be used to compare the theoretical and experimental values and

determined how accurate of the experiment could be. In additional, there were some other

factors affecting the efficiency of DEG. Upon accomplishing this project, the author realized

that there were still plenty rooms for future researches and improvement in this field of study.