Enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of dielectric elastomer generators via elastic energy storage and recovery

Small-scale wind energy harvesters have promising applications in driving low-power sensors, lighting, robots, and other appliances. However, traditional electromagnetic generators face challenges in small-size harvesters and at low frequencies. Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) can achieve energy harvesting under small deformation and have the potential for miniaturization. Inspired by the elastic energy storage and recovery mechanisms observed in biological tendons and muscles, we proposed a methodology to enhance the energy conversion efficiency of DEGs. By establishing an electro-mechanical model for calculating the energy flow during the energy harvesting process, we systematically investigated the principles of DEG energy harvesting under different situations and the role of elastic energy storage and recovery in improving efficiency. Building upon this theoretical foundation, we designed a small wind turbine with a 6 cm rotor diameter and achieved energy harvesting at a low wind speed of 1.57 +/- 0.07 m/s.