Numerical Methods to Evaluate Hyperelastic Transducers: Hexagonal Distributed Embedded Energy Converters

James Salvador Niffenegger and Blake Boren ()
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James Salvador Niffenegger: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401, USA
Blake Boren: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 15013 Denver West Parkway, Golden, CO 80401, USA

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-30

Abstract: Hexagonal distributed embedded energy converters, also known as hexDEECs, are centimeter-scale energy transducers that leverage variable capacitance to generate electricity when their hyperelastic structure is dynamically deformed. To better understand, characterize, and optimize hexDEEC designs, a series of numerical methods and techniques were developed to model the hyperelastic mechanics of hexDEECs, electrostatic properties, and electricity generation characteristics. The numerical methods developed for the hyperelastic structural analysis were corroborated by empirical results from another study, and the models and equations for capacitance, electrostatic forces, and electrical potential energy were derived from fundamental electrostatic equations. These methods and techniques were implemented within the STAR-CCM+ multiphysics software Version 2020.3 (15.06.008) environment. Results from this analysis revealed methodologies and techniques necessary to model the energy converters, which will enable future exploration and optimization of more specific designs and corresponding applications.

Keywords: energy transducer; numerical modeling; multiphysics modeling; hexDEEC; hexagonal distributed embedded energy converter; metamaterials; hyperelasticity; DEEC-Tec; distributed embedded energy converter technologies; hyperelastic; variable capacitance; variable capacitance generators; STAR-CCM+; electrostatic; soft-robotics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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