Theoretical demonstration of a capacitive rotor for generation of alternating current from mechanical motion.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 34135333.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-021-23891-6 and PMC identifier 8209174.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Innovative concepts and materials are enabling energy harvesters for slower motion, particularly for personal wearables or portable small-scale applications, hence contributing to a future sustainable economy. Here we propose a principle for a capacitive rotor device and analyze its operation. This device is based on a rotor containing many capacitors in parallel. The rotation of the rotor causes periodic capacitance changes and, when connected to a reservoir-of-charge capacitor, induces alternating current. The properties of this device depend on the lubricating liquid situated between the capacitor's electrodes, be it a highly polar liquid, organic electrolyte, or ionic liquid - we consider all these scenarios. An advantage of the capacitive rotor is its scalability. Such a lightweight device, weighing tens of grams, can be implemented in a shoe sole, generating a significant power output of the order of Watts. Scaled up, such systems can be used in portable wind or water turbines.