Polymeric Energy Harvester for Underwater Propulsor Applications

One particular class of electroactive polymers, ionomeric polymers, offers electromechanical properties highly conducive to energy harvesting. The proposed research will show the feasibility of a self-powered remote sensing device that exploits key ionomeric polymer properties. The materials exhibit strong electromechanical coupling, much as do piezoceramic and other smart materials. Elastic modulus is roughly two orders of magnitude lower than piezoceramics and two orders of magnitude higher than rubber. Ionomeric polymers can strain in excess of 10% without failure. This unique combination of high strains - or low modulus to yield ratio - and strong electromechanical coupling make ionomeric polymers ideal for low frequency energy harvesting under large static preloads, a relevant environment for condition based monitoring in underwater propulsors. After a survey that updates properties of available materials, we will construct and test a multi-layer transducer. A circuit for sensing, power extraction, storage and transmission will be designed and built. A second engineering model will then be built and tested. Phase 1 will conclude with a survey of micro-power sensing and communications components, and a scaling analysis of the energy harvester. Phase 2 will demonstrate a full-scale device in meaningful field environment in collaboration with our industrial partner.