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

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...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Energies (Basel) 2023-12, Vol.16 (24), p.8100
Main Authors: Niffenegger, James Salvador, Boren, Blake
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Carbon
Deformation
Dielectric properties
Elastomers
Electricity
Electrodes
Energy
energy transducer
Fluid-structure interaction
hexagonal distributed embedded energy converter
hexDEEC
metamaterials
multiphysics modeling
Numerical analysis
numerical modeling
Physics
R&D
Renewable resources
Research & development
Silicones
Software
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Summary: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.
ISSN:1996-1073
1996-1073
DOI:10.3390/en16248100