Academic Research - Direct Generation

Design and development of a new generation of dielectric elastomer generators for wave applications

In this SuperGen FlexFund project, the University of Manchester (UoM) will investigate Dielectric Elastomer Generators (DEGs) through the development of nanocomposites. Typical DEG laboratory demonstrators have been made from acrylic elastomers with an elastomer sandwiched between two electrodes, but it expected these DEGs will suffer from vulnerabilities in marine conditions. To combat this, the UoM will perform layer-to-layer decomposition of conductive elastomer nanocomposites onto dielectric elastomer components, allowing for stable cyclic deformations in the expected marine environment. The project will perform a comprehensive down-selection of silicone-based elastomers using mechanical and electro-mechanical tests. Silicone elastomers and carbon nanotubes are the likely candidate materials.

An origami-adapted wave energy converter through direct energy generation

In this SuperGen FlexFund project, the University of Oxford will investigate origami structures for stacking Dielectric Fluid Generator (DFGs) units, allowing for flexible direct generation modules for integration into WECs. Stretching of electrodes is a concern for overall longevity but origami structures could potentially mitigate this by ensuring the electrodes only experience rigid-body motion. In addition to fatigue life, origami structures could maximise the change in distance per cycle of the DFG, ensuring that the desired level of capacitance is achieved. The team will perform design mock-ups and make a desktop demonstrator illustrating the deformation modes of a unit cell. Modelling of unit cells will allow for an understanding of the capacitance change, informing the design decisions.

Engagement with Other Projects

Alongside funded projects, WES supports and engages with other project with a similar goal and vision. Examples include: 

• BASM-WEC: A research project investigating bionic adaptable stretchable materials for wave energy. The goals are to develop an analysis and laboratory testing integrity toolbox to reliably design, analyse, and process the state-of-the-art adaptive stretchable materials and structures applicable to WECs. https://basm-wec.org/
• FlexWave: A research project seeking to improve the design, manufacture and survivability of flexible WECs. It will investigate different design concepts and materials under the extreme conditions expected in the sea. https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/offshore-renewable-energy/flexwave 
• InDeep: A three-phase design competition looking at design and developing novel materials for wave energy applications, including electroactive polymers. improve the design, manufacture and survivability of flexible WECs. It will investigate intelligent design concepts to explore whether types of rubber, composites and polymers can be effective in improving performance, reliability and reduce costs compared to current available materials. Testing will also include how materials hold up against extreme storms and sea conditions, which present a significant challenge to existing WEC designs. https://americanmadechallenges.org/challenges/indeep