Development of Wave Generation Module for Small Ships Using Dielectric Elastomer

Abstract

Abstract:From 2007 to 2015, we installed DE (dielectric elastomer) generators on a buoy, and succeeded in a demonstration of power generation at sea. In 2011, we also pointed out that DE generators could be useful for ships for the first time in the world. Using the know-how obtained at that time, we have recently developed an innovative wave-power generator for small ships, which can generate electric power by the rocking movement of the ship. Mounting this device on a model ship, we carried out a demonstration experiment of the power generation in a wave-generation water-tank to verify its feasibility for practical use on a real ship. And 48% of wave energy (gross value) can be converted to electric energy, suggesting the realization of fairly high efficiency power generation, compared with the efficiency of the existing wave generators.

Experimental Investigation on the Power Generation Performance of Dielectric Elastomer Wave Power Generator Mounted on a Square Type Floating Body

“…This increase can be harvested as electrical energy. The voltage can be measured and compared with predictions based on this DE theory developed by Chiba et al [10]. In general, experimental data based on high impedance measurements are in excellent agreement with this prediction [10].…”

“…There are several ways in which DE can be used to produce electrical energy from the mechanical work used to stretch and contract it. Here we present one method based on a constant voltage cycle [10].…”

An Experimental Study on the Motion of Floating Bodies Arranged in Series for Wave Power Generation

“…Chiba et al conducted wave tests using experimental models from 2011 to 2015 in order to investigate the power generation characteristics of buoy type power generation systems equipped with DEs and measured the power generation amounts for various wave heights and wave periods [22][23][24][25][26]. The power generation device using the DE has a simple structure and is lightweight, so that it is expected that the wave power generation system can be simplified, lightened and miniaturized.…”

“…The power generation device using the DE has a simple structure and is lightweight, so that it is expected that the wave power generation system can be simplified, lightened and miniaturized. They also considered aggregates of buoys, arrays of buoys with 3 dimensional multi-story DEs, and the spring constant of the DE in order to realize large power generation system in actual sea areas using the DEs [22][23][24][25][26][27][28].…”

“…(1) To set the spring constant of the DE to match the waves typically occurring in the sea area where the buoy equipped with DE is to be installed [24,26].…”