Development of Wave Generation Module for Small Ships Using Dielectric Elastomer

Abstract

From 2007 to 2015, we installed DE (dielectric elastomer) generators on a buoy, and succeeded in a demonstration of power generation at sea. In 2011, we also pointed out that DE generators could be useful for ships for the first time in the world. Using the know-how obtained at that time, we have recently developed an innovative wave-power generator for small ships, which can generate electric power by the rocking movement of the ship. Mounting this device on a model ship, we carried out a demonstration experiment of the power generation in a wave-generation water-tank to verify its feasibility for practical use on a real ship. And 48% of wave energy (gross value) can be converted to electric energy, suggesting the realization of fairly high efficiency power generation, compared with the efficiency of the existing wave generators.