Dielectric Elastomer Generator for Electromechanical Energy Conversion: A Mini Review

The dielectric elastomer generator (DEG) has attracted attention in converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, due to its high energy density, fast response, and light weight, which together make DEG a promising technology for electromechanical conversion. In this article, recent research papers on DEG are reviewed. First, we present the working principles, parameters, materials, and deformation modes of DEG. Then, we introduce DEG prototypes in the field of collecting mechanical energy, including small-scale applications for wind energy and human motion energy, and large-scale applications for wave energy. At the end of the review, we discuss the challenges and perspectives of DEG. We believe that DEG will play an important role in mechanical energy harvesting in the future.

Synthesis of a scalar ACS of the valve motor rotational speed for the icebreaker's ERM with a propulsion-steering complex "Azipod"

В статье рассматриваются основные тенденции развития систем судового автоматизированного электропривода с машинами переменного тока. В частности представлены варианты реализации электропривода с использованием частотно управляемых асинхронных двигателей и синхронных двигателей с электромагнитным возбуждением. Предлагается перспективная электромеханическая система на основе вентильного двигателя для ГЭУ ледокола с движительно-рулевым комплексом «Азипод». Целью работы является исключение структурной сложности и повышения функциональных возможностей электропривода за счет применения скалярной САУ частоты вращения вентильного двигателя вместо векторной для ГЭУ. Новизна заключается в использовании подхода и представления вентильного двигателя как объекта регулирования на основе аналогии с коллекторным двигателем постоянного тока при регулировании положения его оси токосъема. В соответствии с этим анализ информационных процессов, связанных с процессами электромеханического преобразования энергии, протекающими в синхронной машине с позиционно-зависимым частотным управлением, и синтез САУ электропривода по принципу подчиненного регулирования базируются на тех подходах, которые широко используются в регулируемых электроприводах постоянного тока, обладающих наилучшими динамическими свойствами. The article discusses the main trends in the development of marine automated electric drive systems with AC machines. In particular, variants of the implementation of an electric drive using frequency-controlled asynchronous motors and synchronous motors with electromagnetic excitation are presented. A promising electromechanical system based on a valve engine for the icebreaker's ERM with the propulsion-steering system Azipod is proposed. The aim of the work is to eliminate the structural complexity and to increase the functionality of the electric drive by using a scalar ACS of the valve motor rotational speed instead of a vector one for the ERM. The novelty lies in the use of the approach and representation of the valve motor as an object of regulation based on the analogy with the collector DC motor when regulating the position of its current collection axis. Thereby, the analysis of information processes related to the processes of electromechanical energy conversion occurring in a synchronous machine with position-dependent frequency control, and the synthesis of an ACS electric drive based on the principle of subordinate regulation are based on those approaches that are widely used in regulated DC electric drives possessing the best dynamic properties.

AN ELECTROMAGNETIC CATAPULT FOR LAUNCHING HEAVY UAVs (DRONES) FROM SMALL VESSELS

The paper presents the results of mathematical modeling of the operation of a novel electromagnetic catapult design. The main elements of the latter are a single-section multi-rail accelerator with a metal armature and a pulsed energy source based on the powerful pulsed MHD generator and current-increasing transformer. The possibilities of such a scheme for accelerating bodies weighing 7 tons to speeds of about 150 km/h at a maximum permissible acceleration of 15 g are investigated. The mathematical model describes the coordinated operation of the device, starting with connecting of the pulsed MHD generator in idle mode to the primary winding of the transformer and up to the moment when the drone accelerates to a given takeoff speed. Using the proposed model, the efficiency of the electromechanical energy conversion in the developed catapult scheme is tested. The parameters of the main elements of the device, namely the length of the acceleration section of the catapult and the maximum acceleration of the drone, are determined.

An approach combining additive manufacturing and dielectrophoresis for 3D-structured flexible lead-free piezoelectric composites for electromechanical energy conversion

Additive manufacturing technology has promoted the development of piezoelectric devices, from the one-step moulding of micro-miniature devices to large-scale devices.

Kinematic calculation of micro mirror elements in micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS)

Currently, the development and application of micro machines is an important direction in the development of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technologies. In these devices, electromechanical energy conversion occurs, as a result of which forces arise that carry out mechanical work within the dimensions of the microcircuit case. The paper considers the kinematic calculation of the design of a micromirror with a reflective layer of high optical quality of the surface for deflecting the reflected laser beam. By changing the angle of inclination of the micromirror, the laser beam enters the various input channels of the optical sensor. In this case, a control signal is generated for the further operation of the microcircuit. Thus, the micromirror performs the function of a switch of input optical channels, connecting in various combinations certain input or output elements of the microcircuit for further processing. The article presents the calculation of the kinematic parameters of the mechanical structure of the micro mirror. Practical recommendations are given for choosing the optimal range of variation of the micro mirror tilt angles in order to increase the strength of its structure, as well as to reduce the power of the mechanical drive of the micro machine required to change the micro mirror tilt angles

Electromechanical heating system for a passenger car

Objective: Development of an electromechanical heating system for a passenger car using a heatgenerating electromechanical converter (HGEC). Methods: Methods of mathematical analysis, aspects of the theory of electromechanical energy conversion and control theory were used. Results: An original diagram of the electromechanical heating system of a passenger car was developed, a hydraulic calculation of the power of the heating system of a passenger car was performed. Practical importance: Based on the comparison of the obtained data with the technical and economic indicators of classical heating systems, the expediency of the effective use of HGEC as a source of thermal energy for passenger cars has been proved. As a result, the reliability and effi ciency of the passenger car heating system are increased due to the use of a controlled HGEC as a heat generating unit, which makes it possible to regulate the speed of movement and heating of the coolant depending on the difference between the required temperature of heating the air in the car and its current value