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

Isabel Hess, Stephen Chamot, Blake Boren () and Patrick Musgrave ()
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Isabel Hess: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
Stephen Chamot: 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
Patrick Musgrave: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA

Energies, 2024, vol. 17, issue 23, 1-17

Abstract: This study identifies hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL) transducers as electricity generators, 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—generating electricity through mechanical deformation. The study assesses the practical laboratory performance of HASELs by analytic modeling and experimental evaluation. Outcomes of the study include the following: (i) up to 2.5 mJ per cycle per 50 mm wide 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 energy density of 4.2 mJ cm −3 ; (iii) the electromechanical characteristics governing efficient conversion; and (iv) design considerations to enhance HASEL generator performance in future applications. This study broadens HASEL’s applicability and utility as a multi-functional transducer for renewable energy and general adaptive electricity generation.

Keywords: energy conversion; energy transducers; energy generation; soft robotics; distributed embedded energy conversion; DEEC-Tec; HASELs (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: 2024
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