Design, Analysis and Optimisation of Dielectric Elastomer Generators for Wave Energy Conversion Systems

This project investigates the design, analysis and optimisation of dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) for integration into wave energy conversion (WEC) systems, through addressing the increasing need for sus- tainable and efficient renewable energy systems. DEGs, as flexible and deformable capacitors, convert me- chanical energy from wave motion into electrical energy through utilising the changing capacitances within the DEG through stretching cycles. This study explores the various DEG architectures before selecting three different deformation modes - equibiaxial, pure-shear and conical - these are then evaluated based on their capacitances, voltages needed to effectively prime the DEGs and their outputted energy generation potential under different configurations. By exploring different material options such as natural rubber, synthetic rub- ber, acrylic, silicone and emerging silicone composite, the project identifies key material parameters which can influence the energy generation potential and efficiency as well as durability, stretchability, stiffness and dielectric performance. Through detailed analysis, this project highlights the advantages of different DEG-based WECs, includ- ing adaptability to varying wave conditions, large conversion efficiencies, reduced mechanical complexity and scalability of DEGs. The research into this emerging technology emphasises the role of innovative DEG architectures and configurations, material selection, and advanced methodologies in achieving sustainable and efficient wave energy harvesting. Finally, it evaluates the potential for implementing stacked DEG-based WECs into the marine environment through the design of a theoretical wave energy farm to demonstrate the practical and scalable applications of DEGs.本研究针对将介电弹性体发电机（Dielectric Elastomer Generators, DEGs）集成至波浪能转换（Wave Energy Conversion, WEC）系统的设计、分析与优化展开探索，以应对当下可持续高效可再生能源系统日益增长的需求。介电弹性体发电机作为柔性可变形电容器，通过拉伸循环过程中自身电容的变化，将波浪运动产生的机械能转化为电能。本研究先梳理了多种DEG架构，随后选定等双轴拉伸、纯剪切与圆锥形变三种变形模式，并基于不同配置下的电容值、有效预充电DEG所需的电压，以及发电潜力对其展开评估。通过探索天然橡胶、合成橡胶、丙烯酸材料、硅酮材料以及新型硅酮复合材料等多种材料选项，本研究明确了影响发电潜力、效率，以及耐久性、拉伸性能、刚度与介电性能的关键材料参数。经详细分析，本研究阐明了基于DEG的各类WEC系统的优势，包括对不同波浪条件的适应性、较高的转换效率、更低的机械复杂度以及DEG的可扩展性。针对这项新兴技术的研究强调了创新DEG架构与配置、材料选择，以及先进方法在实现可持续高效波浪能采集方面的核心作用。最后，本研究通过设计理论波浪能农场，评估了堆叠式DEG基WEC系统在海洋环境中的应用潜力，以展示DEG的实用化与规模化应用前景。