Generating Electricity With Hydraulically Amplified Self-Healing Electrostatic (HASEL) Transducers

Abstract

This study identifies hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducers as electricity generators by assessing their capability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, contrary to their conventional role as actuators. HASELs are soft, variable-capacitance transducers inspired by biological muscles, which were developed to mimic the flexibility and functionality of natural muscle tissues. This research characterizes HASELs as generators by reversing their energy conversion mechanism—applying mechanical energy to deform the HASEL to generate electrical energy. The study includes analytic modeling and empirical evaluation, thereby assessing the practical laboratory performance of HASELs as electricity generators. Outcomes of the study include the following: (i) up to 2.5 mJ per cycle per HASEL pouch of positive net energy generation in experimental testing—corresponding to an energy density of 2.0 mJ cm⁻³; (ii) a maximum theoretical conversion of 5.2 mJ cm⁻³; (iii) the electromechanical characteristics governing efficient conversion; and (iv) future design optimization strategies to enhance the effectiveness of HASELs as electricity generators—potentially broadening their applicability and utility in research fields such as renewable energy and general adaptive electricity generation.

Keywords

Identifiers

DOI

10.20944/preprints202411.1947.v1

Journal

Preprints.org

Year

2024