In-Tank Tests of a Dielectric Elastomer Generator for Wave Energy Harvesting

Wave energy harvesting is one of the most promising applications for Dielectric Elastomer Generators. A simple and interesting concept of a Wave Energy Converter based on Dielectric Elastomers is the Polymeric Oscillating Water Column (Poly-OWC). In this paper, preliminary experimental results on the assessment of a small-scale Poly-OWC prototype are presented. The scale of the considered prototype is 1:50. Tests are conducted in a wave-flume by considering sea state conditions with different wave amplitudes and frequencies. The obtained experimental results confirm the viability of the Poly-OWC device.