Electric Generators Using Dielectric Elastomers Driven by Karman Vortex in Water Flow

This study focuses on the electric power generation performance of the system using the dielectric elastomer (DE). A simple experimental model is fabricated to test in a passing water tank in order to investigate the performance and feasibility of the small hydroelectric generation system using DE. This system is driven by Karman vortex in the wake of a cylinder fixed in water flow. The characteristics of DEs can be utilized for producing electric power effectively. The wing, which is an important part in the generation system to convert fluid energy into mechanical energy and is set behind the cylinder, vibrates due to the pressure caused by Karman vortex, resulting in conversion of the water flow energy into electric energy by the DEs. Experimental results show that an average output power of approximately 16 mW is verified with the generation efficiency of about 3.6%, when the diameter of the cylinder is 60 mm, the span and chord length of the wing are 120 mm and 30 mm, respectively, the distance between the cylinder and the wing is 170 mm, and the velocity of the water flow is 0.50 m/s.