Spherical Wave Power Generator with Origami-structured Double-helix Multifold Electrets

Abstract

This paper presents a spherical wave power generator integrating origami-inspired double-helix multifold electrets for ocean wave energy harvesting. The overall device is self-sustained origami structure, which works as generator as well as suspending spring of central oscillator simultaneously. With ultra-low excitation frequency of 2 Hz, the peak-to-peak output voltage and peak power can be reached up to around 300 V and 18 mW, respectively. It is capable of charging a $10 \mu \mathrm{F}$ capacitor to 2.5 V within 60 s after connecting a bennet circuit. The output of generator can supply power for 30 LED bulbs and the low-power temperature as well as humidity sensors. Furthermore, with array of folded electret generator units around the central oscillator, the generator is capable of harvesting low-frequency vibration energy in random directions, with a great potential in the field of wave energy collection and power supply for environmental monitoring sensors.