About the project
Principal Investigator: Professor Zhong You
The Dielectric Fluid Generator (DFG) is an innovative electrostatic variable capacitance generator that converts mechanical energy into direct current electricity. This research proposal introduces an origami inspired approach to stack multiple DFG units, creating flexible direct generation modules for integration into Wave Energy Converters (WECs).
A DFG unit consists of solid electrodes, dielectric fluid, and elastomer material to host the electrodes. The energy conversion efficiency is strongly dependent on the structural configuration of these components. In response to the motion of ocean waves, both stretching and compression of the electrodes can be of concern in designing a WEC through direct energy generation methods. To address this, the researchers propose an origami-inspired approach to design unit cells, each accommodating one DFG with the deformation concentrated in elastomers so that the electrodes experience only rigid body motion.
This design aims to minimise electrode stretching and compression, thereby reducing material fatigue. Meanwhile, it maximises the change in distance between the two electrode plates for efficient electricity conversion within the DFG.
This project has been co-funded with Wave Energy Scotland.
