This project investigates the use of wide-bandgap semiconductor-enabled power converters to enhance the performance of dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) in wave energy systems. DEGs offer promising advantages such as simplified structures, low-cost materials, and high energy density, but their development has largely focused on materials and system design. Power electronics tailored to their unique requirements remain underexplored.
The research will analyse suitable DC-DC converter topologies for DEG charging and energy harvesting, aiming to improve efficiency. A 5kW small-scale converter will be built and tested using Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) simulation, enabling real-time emulation of DEG dynamics.
This project links to an objective of the Early Career Research Fund to support individual researcher career development, laying the foundation for independent research and future proposals. This project will open pathways for Sebastian Neira Castillo to collaborate with industrial partners interested in power electronics for DEGs. The outcomes are expected to inform converter design guidelines and control strategies tailored to the specific demands of DEG systems - such as bidirectional power flow and high peak-to-average power ratios - thereby advancing the technology’s readiness level.
