Optimized energy harvesting based on electro active polymers

Energy harvesting using dielectric elastomers is an interesting possibility to convert ambient energy into electric energy. Different small scale prototypes of energy harvesting devices, like SRI's wind- and wave-power generators have been developed so far. Nevertheless, the theoretical limits and practical implementation still have to be considered. In a previous paper the achievable energy gain for different harvesting cycles was investigated theoretically. When using the cycles for energy harvesting also losses occur due to the behavior of the material. In this paper detailed loss mechanisms are taken into account to derive design rules for the material development and for the optimization of the overall system setup.