Conducting polymer generator-actuator with energy storage/recovery
US6157113A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 5, 1999 |
| Grant date | Dec 5, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 5, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02N11/002
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method for generating electricity is provided utilizing a conducting polymer, an electrolyte and a counterelectrode and applying mechanical work to the polymer thereby generating an electrical potential between the conducting polymer and the counterelectrode. Coupling of the electrical potential is then made to an external circuit. The resultant mechanical to electrical energy conversion efficiency is at least 0.01%. Also provided is a method for braking a mechanical member by utilizing a conducting polymer, coupling it to the mechanical member, generating an electrical potential between the conducting polymer and a counterelectrode and coupling the electrical potential to an external circuit. The step of coupling may include dissipating and/or storing electrical energy in the external circuit. The conducting polymer provided may preferably be polypyrrole. In another embodiment, a brake for the mechanical member is provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.