Field-induced piezoelectricity for electrical power generation
US6376968B1 · kind B1 · utility
25Cited by
6References
4Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 8, 1998 |
| Grant date | Apr 23, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 8, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S310/80
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An electrical energy generator relying upon piezoelectricity includes electrical generating elements comprising electroded bodies of an electrostrictive material, e.g., polyurethane, having inherent but weak piezoelectric characteristics. A d.c. bias is applied between the electrodes for field-inducing a larger piezoelectric characteristic whereby, upon applying mechanical energy to the element, in known manner, for alternately straining and destraining the body, electrical charge is generated on the electrodes with a high mechanical energy to electrical energy conversion efficiency.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.