JP2008141840A - Generating set using electric field responsive high polymer - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a generating set which can be used under various conditions and in various fields using an electric field responsive high polymer. <P>SOLUTION: This generating set comprises: a kinetic energy transmission part 8 which converts kinetic energy F generated by a wind force or the like into a force which deforms the electric field responsive high polymer 2; a starting voltage feeding part 6 which feeds initial electric energy to the electric field responsive high polymer 2 in an initial state; an electricity accumulating power feeding part 4 which controls a voltage and a current of output electric energy generated by the deformation of the electric field responsive high polymer 2 by the kinetic energy transmission part 8; an electricity accumulating part 5 which accumulates power fed from the electricity accumulating power feeding part 4; and a charging/discharging switching part 3 which electrically or mechanically detects the deformed state of the electric field responsive high polymer 2, and switches the initial electric energy fed to the electric field responsive high polymer 2 and the output electric energy outputted from the electric field responsive high polymer 2 according to the deformed state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an electroactive polymer made of a dielectric elastomer, and more particularly to a power generator using an electroactive polymer.

In the past decade, most researches on electric field responsive polymers made of dielectric elastomers have focused on actuators. When placed in a strong electric field, the dielectric elastomer contracts in the direction of the electric field and expands in a direction perpendicular to the electric field. This is due to the Coulomb force. Therefore, a capacitor having elasticity like rubber is formed by sandwiching a dielectric elastomer between two charged compliant electrodes. When a voltage is applied to this, a positive charge is stored in one electrode and a negative charge is stored in the opposite electrode. As a result, an attractive force is generated between the electrodes, and the dielectric elastomer is crushed by this force and expands in the surface direction. The use of this change as an actuator such as a robot has attracted attention (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
US Pat. No. 6,781,284 U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,086

  However, it is hardly known that this material has remarkable performance in power generation, and although there is a proposal for application to power generation, a practical power generation device has not been realized. In addition, conditions such as low frequency bands (eg, 0.3 Hz), non-constant frequency vibrations (vibrations with indefinite periods), high loads, and high strokes that are difficult to achieve with existing power generation methods such as generators and solar cells. However, there is a need for a power generator that can be used.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to develop a power generation apparatus that can be used in various conditions and in various fields using an electric field responsive polymer.

  The invention according to claim 1 includes a kinetic energy transmission unit that converts kinetic energy generated by wave force, hydraulic power, wind force, pressure change, movement of a living organism and an object into a force that deforms an electric field responsive polymer, A power supply for controlling the voltage and current of the output electric energy generated by the deformation of the electric field responsive polymer by the kinetic energy transfer unit and the starting voltage supply unit for supplying initial electric energy to the electric field responsive polymer in the state A power supply unit, a power storage unit that stores power supplied from the power supply unit for power storage, and a deformation state of the electric field responsive polymer are detected electrically or mechanically, and depending on the deformation state, A charge / discharge switching unit that switches between the initial electric energy supplied to the electric field responsive polymer and the output electric energy output from the electric field responsive polymer; The power generating apparatus using the that electroactive polymer is intended to solve the foregoing problems.

  In addition to the configuration of the invention according to claim 1, the invention according to claim 2 includes an electric field responsive polymer having a starting voltage supply unit that generates the initial electrical energy from the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit. The above-described problem is further solved by the power generation device used.

  Here, the electric field responsive polymer in the present invention is a new material developed at SRI International, which is based in California, USA, and is a thin rubbery polymer made of acrylic resin or silicone resin. It has a structure in which (dielectric) is sandwiched between flexible electrodes that can be expanded and contracted, and is commercially available under the trade name EPAM (Electroactive Polymer Artificial Muscle).

  According to the power generation device using the electric field responsive polymer according to claim 1, the electric field responsive polymer is deformed by the kinetic energy generated by the wave force, the hydraulic power, the wind force, the pressure change, the living thing, the object, and the like moving. A kinetic energy transmission unit for converting into force, an activation voltage supply unit for supplying initial electric energy to the electric field responsive polymer in an initial state, and an output generated by deformation of the electric field responsive polymer by the kinetic energy transmission unit A power storage unit for storing electricity that controls the voltage and current of electrical energy, a power storage unit that stores power supplied from the power supply unit for storage, and a deformation state of the electric field responsive polymer electrically or mechanically The initial electrical energy supplied to the electric field responsive polymer and the output electric energy output from the electric field responsive polymer according to the deformation state Since the kinetic energy added to the electric field responsive polymer can be efficiently converted into electric energy, the low frequency band (for example, wave power) Can be used in various fields under various conditions such as 0.3Hz) required for power generation, non-constant frequency motion such as irregular vibration and one-time motion, high load, high stroke, etc. Can be obtained.

  In particular, it is possible to efficiently convert kinetic energy into electric energy by giving the electric field responsive polymer in advance an initial electric energy that is a source of power generation in an initial state.

  According to the power generation device using the electric field responsive polymer according to claim 2, in addition to the effect produced by the electric power generation device using the electric field responsive polymer according to claim 1, the initial electric energy is stored in the power storage unit. Since it has a configuration having a startup voltage supply unit that generates from the generated electrical energy, it is not necessary to have an initial charging source such as a startup power source separately, so that the generator can be made maintenance-free. A power generator that can be used in

  Hereinafter, first, an outline of a power generator using an electric field responsive polymer (hereinafter referred to as EPAM) of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power generation apparatus 1 includes a kinetic energy transmission unit 8, an EPAM 2, a charge / discharge switching unit 3, a power storage power supply unit 4, a power storage unit 5, and an activation voltage supply unit 6. The generated power is efficiently supplied to the load 7.

  Here, the kinetic energy transmission unit 8 converts kinetic energy generated by wave force, hydraulic power, wind force, pressure change and movement of a living thing or an object into a force that deforms the EPAM 2. Specifically, since EPAM is an elastic body, the EPAM is stretched by a force such as wave force / hydraulic force, and then the force applied to the EPAM is released, that is, relaxed, thereby returning to the original size. . Alternatively, the EPAM is stretched by applying a weight to the EPAM, and then restored to its original size by removing the weight applied to the EPAM. Thus, as long as the kinetic energy transmission part 8 can convert kinetic energy into the force which changes EPAM2 efficiently, what kind of structure may be sufficient as the specific structure.

  The charge / discharge switching unit 3 detects the deformation state of the EPAM 2 electrically or mechanically, and outputs the output electric energy generated by the EPAM 2 and the charging mode for supplying the initial electric energy to the EPAM 2 according to the deformation state. Change the discharge mode. The initial electrical energy is generated by the starting voltage supply unit 6 using a part of the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit 5 to supply power to the load 7, and is supplied to the EPAM 2 in the initial state.

  The power storage power supply unit 4 controls the voltage and current in order to efficiently charge the power storage unit 5 with the power generated by the EPAM 2. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the voltage waveform generated by the EPAM 2 rises at the moment when the state of the EPAM changes and gradually decreases. Therefore, voltage and current control suitable for the load 7 is performed so as to use the shaded portion of FIG. 2 using a step-down circuit such as PWM (Pulse Width Modulation). By using the step-down circuit described above for the power storage unit 5, a secondary battery such as a nickel metal hydride battery or a lithium ion battery, an electric double layer capacitor, or the like can be used as the power storage means, and without using a step-down circuit. Capacitors such as film capacitors can also be used as power storage means depending on the application.

The starting voltage supply unit 6 obtains electric energy from the power storage unit 5 and supplies the initial electric energy necessary for the initial power generation to the EPAM 2, but without using the starting voltage supply unit 6, a separate DC voltage source is provided. It is also possible to supply initial electrical energy to the EPAM 2 in an initial state by using a solar cell or a startup power source using a piezoelectric element.
A light emitting diode (Light Emitting Diode) or the like is preferably used for the load 7, but is not limited to this, for example, a short-range wireless communication standard for home appliances called “RF-ID” (Radio Frequency Identification). It can be used as a power source for a compliant RF-ID terminal, or it can be used as a power source for supplying power to a portable electronic device when the portable electronic device moves up and down by forming a strap of the portable electronic device using EPAM. is there. In addition to such low-voltage power generation, the structure of the kinetic energy transmission unit 8 enables small- and medium-scale power generation using natural energy such as wave power, hydraulic power, and wind power.

  Next, the power generation principle of EPAM will be described with reference to FIG. The EPAM 2 is composed of a polymer film 2a such as an acrylic resin or a silicone resin sandwiched between two flexible electrodes 2b and 2b. In the actuation (driving) mode, when a potential difference is applied between the electrodes as shown in FIG. 3A, the polymer film 2a contracts in the thickness direction due to electrostatic force, and as a result, the EPAM2 moves in the plane direction. Stretch.

  On the other hand, in the power generation mode, as shown in FIG. 3B, the movement opposite to the actuation mode (drive mode), that is, EPAM2 is applied with external pressure such as wave force and human action, and stretching force to Power is generated by deforming. Prior to power generation, it is possible to generate power efficiently by first applying a small amount of electric charge as a source of power generation to the polymer film 2a.

  In these modes, EPAM2 is considered to function like a variable capacitor. The charge appears on the polymer film 2a when the polymer film 2a is stretched by some force. As this membrane relaxes, the elastic force of EPAM2 acts against the electric field pressure, resulting in an increase in electrical energy. Microscopically, charges are pushed out toward each electrode 2b by the elastic force of the polymer film 2a (the thickness of the polymer film 2a increases in the contracted state), and the distance between the charges is shortened at the electrode 2b ( Planar area decreases in the contracted state).

  Such a change in electric charge increases the voltage difference. As a result, the amount of electric energy stored increases, and the electric energy can be supplied to an external load.

  Next, a specific embodiment of the power generator using the EPAM of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a circuit diagram of a power generator newly developed to efficiently convert kinetic energy applied to the EPAM 120 into electric energy and supply it to the load 170.

  When the generated energy is stored in the EPAM 120, the deformation state is detected electrically or mechanically, and the output electric energy is supplied to the load 170, so that the switch S2 of the charge / discharge switching unit 130 is turned on. At this time, the switch S3 is in an OFF state. Then, the current that has passed through the load 170 passes through the diode 180 that regulates the direction in which the current flows, and is supplied to the power storage power supply unit 140. The electricity storage power supply unit 140 constitutes a kind of current output type switching converter composed of a diode 142 and a coil 144, whereby the current waveform is shaped and supplied to the electricity storage unit 150.

  The output electrical energy supplied to the power storage unit 150 is stored in the capacitor 152. The capacitor 152 is connected in parallel with a constant voltage diode 154 for preventing input of a pulsed current to prevent dielectric breakdown of the capacitor 152 and outputting a voltage suitable for the capacitor. In this embodiment, the LED 170 is used as a load. However, when a low voltage device such as a portable electronic device is used, a step-down circuit or the like is required separately. Further, the stepped-down electric energy can be substituted for the power storage unit 150 by using a lithium ion battery and a booster circuit instead of a capacitor.

  The circuit unit denoted by reference numeral 160 is an activation voltage supply unit for giving the EPAM 120 an initial state of the EPAM 120, that is, a small amount of electric charge that is a source of power generation at the start of use. In this embodiment, a DC power source is used as the starting power source 162, but a solar cell, a piezoelectric element, or the like can also be used. By turning on the switch S1 at the start of power generation by the EPAM 120, the current passes through the diode 164 provided to prevent the current from flowing back to the starting power supply 162. When the switch S1 is turned on, the capacitor 152 is charged, and then the switch S1 is turned off. When the charge / discharge switching unit 130 detects that the EPAM 120 is in the initial state electrically or mechanically, the switch S3 is turned on and the initial electrical energy is supplied to the EPAM 120.

In this embodiment, the start-up power supply 162 is used as the start-up voltage supply unit 160. However, as long as the electric energy stored in the power storage unit 150 is not lower than the required potential, it can be used as initial electric energy. (Invention according to claim 2).
Further, this embodiment is merely an embodiment for embodying the technical idea of the present invention, and the specific circuit configuration of the power generator is not limited to the technical idea of the present invention. Any circuit may be used. Note that the initial state of the EPAM 120 indicates a state in which the EPAM 120 is deformed or expanded by the kinetic energy F and is increased in terms of capacitance.

  The power generation device using the electric field responsive polymer of the present invention provides a power generation device that has a simple configuration, requires little maintenance, and can be used in various conditions and in various fields. Power generation using natural energy such as power, hydropower, wind power, etc., for example, power switch integrated power source for wireless remote control for controlling electric and electronic devices, power generation device using kinetic energy associated with operation of electric and electronic devices, and connection to portable electronic devices A power generator using the shape change of the strap, a power generator using a swing of a tree trunk or a branch, a power generator using a gas pressure such as exhaust gas, a power generator using a water pressure such as drainage, and a vehicle travel Pressure changes that occur in narrow spaces such as devices that generate power due to vibrations and shocks that occur from time to time, devices that generate power by human power as emergency power supplies, and tunnels Apparatus for more power, such as an apparatus for power generation by the movement of people and animals by placing the garment, the availability of its industry is extremely high.

It is a block diagram which shows the electric power generation principle of the electric power generating apparatus using the electric field responsive polymer of this invention. It is a figure which shows the electric power generation waveform of the electric power generating apparatus using the electric field responsive polymer of this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement principle of this invention, (a) has shown the actuation mode, (b) has shown the electric power generation mode. It is an example of the concrete circuit of the electric power generating apparatus using the electric field responsive polymer of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1,100 ... Electric power generating apparatus 2,120 ... Electric field responsive polymer (EPAM) using electric field responsive polymer
2a ... polymer film 2b ... electrode 3, 130 ... charge / discharge switching unit 4, 140 ... power supply unit for storage 142 ... diode 144 ... coil 5, 150 ... storage Unit 152 ・ ・ ・ Capacitor 154 Constant voltage diode 6, 160, Startup voltage supply unit 162, Startup power supply 164, Diode 7, 170, Load 8, Kinetic energy transmission unit 180・ ・ ・ Diode 190 ・ ・ ・ Diode S1, S2, S3 ・ ・ ・ Switch F ・ ・ ・ Kinetic energy

Claims (2)

A kinetic energy transfer unit that converts kinetic energy generated by wave, hydraulic, wind, pressure changes, living things and objects to move into force that deforms the electric field responsive polymer;
In an initial state, an activation voltage supply unit that supplies initial electric energy to the electric field responsive polymer;
An electricity storage power supply unit that controls the voltage and current of output electrical energy generated by deformation of the electric field responsive polymer by the kinetic energy transfer unit;
A power storage unit that stores power supplied from the power supply unit for power storage; and
The deformation state of the electric field responsive polymer is detected electrically or mechanically, and the initial electric energy supplied to the electric field responsive polymer according to the deformation state is output from the electric field responsive polymer. A power generation apparatus using an electric field responsive polymer, comprising: a charge / discharge switching unit that switches between output electric energy. 2. The power generation device using an electric field-responsive polymer according to claim 1, further comprising a starting voltage supply unit that generates the initial electrical energy from the electrical energy stored in the power storage unit.

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