Energy harvesting from fluids using ionic polymer metal composites

Maurizio Porfiri, Sean D. Peterson

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

In this chapter, we discuss energy harvesting from steady, oscillatory, and unsteady water flows using ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs). After a brief description of this new class of active materials and their ability to transduce strain energy into electrical form, we present three case studies spanning this range of flow environments. First, we examine energy harvesting from a heavy flapping flag hosting IPMCs in a steady flow water channel; second, we consider base excitation of a cantilevered IPMC to simulate the effect of an oscillatory flow; and finally, we investigate the impact of a vortex ring with an IPMC. Analytical insight on the mechanics of the coupled fluid-structure problem is used to interpret experimental results and provide design guidelines for energy harvesters based on active compliant materials in fluids.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvances in Energy Harvesting Methods
PublisherSpringer New York
Pages221-239
Number of pages19
Volume9781461457053
ISBN (Electronic)9781461457053
ISBN (Print)1461457041, 9781461457046
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 1 2013

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Energy

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