Disc-shaped IPMC for use in energy harvesting

Conventionally, energy harvesting from IPMC is studied in the bender configuration. However, for energy harvesting from uncontrolled or multi-directional vibration, there is a need to produce 2-D and/or 3-D energy harvester. This paper discusses the use of IPMC for energy harvesting using disc-shaped IPMCs. Making disc imparts more flexibility to the sample and enables energy harvesting from all around the perimeter of the disc without increase in size. Disc-shaped IPMCs were prepared from Nafion granules using a hot press method. The manufactured discs are flexible and suitable for bending not only along the diameter but also side ways. The sample was vibrated along the diameter at 1Hz, 0.25 inch displacement using a TIRA shaker for the testing.