Dielectric elastomer generator with piezoelectric offset

Abstract

In the past studies, dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) need a high voltage DC power supply to provide an offset voltage, which restricts the application of DEG technology in practical projects. To solve this problem, this study adopts piezoelectric materials to provide an offset voltage for DEGs and a self-priming circuit to recycle the energy generated by DEGs. A new DEG with piezoelectric offset is designed to solve the problem of self-supply in the DEG power generation process. Before the experiment, the mathematical model is established by analyzing the dielectric elastomer generator and piezoelectric offset circuit and self-priming circuit, and the above models are simulated through the MATLAB/Simulink software. The simulation results demonstrate that the elastic restoring force of dielectric elastomers overcomes the electric field force and converts mechanical energy into electrical energy, and piezoelectric materials can provide an offset voltage for DEGs. The experimental results are in good agreement with the simulation analysis, and the calculated power of DEG-SPC is 673 mW, which lay a foundation for further research on dielectric elastomer power generation technology.