Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMCs) are a class of Electro-Active Polymers (EAPs) consisting of a base polymer (usually Nafion), sandwiched between thin films of electrodes and an electrolyte. Apart from fuel cell like proton exchange process in Nafion, these IPMCs can act both as an actuator and a sensor. Typically, IPMCs have been known for their applications in fuel cell technology and in artificial muscles for robots. However, more recently, sensing properties of IPMC have opened up possibilities of mechanical energy harvesting. In this paper, we consider a bi-layer stack of IPMC membranes where fluid flow induced cyclic oscillation allows collection of electronic charge across a pair of functionalized electrode on the surface of IPMC layers/stacks. IPMCs work well in hydrated environment; more specifically, in presence of an electrolyte, and therefore, have great potential in underwater applications like hydrodynamic energy harvesting. Hydrodynamic forces produce bending deformation, which can induce transport of cations via polymer chains of the base polymer of Nafion or PTFE. In our experimental set-up, the deformation is induced into the array of IPMC membranes immersed in electrolyte by water waves caused by a plunger connected to a stepper motor. The frequency and amplitude of the water waves is controlled by the stepper motor through a micro-controller. The generated electric power is measured across a resistive load. Few orders of magnitude increase in the harvested power density is observed. Analytical modeling approach used for power and efficiency calculations are discussed. The observed electro-mechanical performance promises a host of underwater energy harvesting applications.
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ASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition
November 12–18, 2010
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Conference Sponsors:
- ASME
ISBN:
978-0-7918-4429-8
PROCEEDINGS PAPER
Hydrodynamic Energy Harvesting Using an Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Stack for Underwater Applications
Arvind Krishnaswamy,
Arvind Krishnaswamy
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Search for other works by this author on:
D. Roy Mahapatra
D. Roy Mahapatra
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Search for other works by this author on:
Arvind Krishnaswamy
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
D. Roy Mahapatra
Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
Paper No:
IMECE2010-39549, pp. 1435-1439; 5 pages
Published Online:
April 30, 2012
Citation
Krishnaswamy, A, & Roy Mahapatra, D. "Hydrodynamic Energy Harvesting Using an Ionic Polymer-Metal Composite Stack for Underwater Applications." Proceedings of the ASME 2010 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Volume 5: Energy Systems Analysis, Thermodynamics and Sustainability; NanoEngineering for Energy; Engineering to Address Climate Change, Parts A and B. Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. November 12–18, 2010. pp. 1435-1439. ASME. https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2010-39549
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