DIELECTRIC ELASTOMER POWER GENERATION SYSTEM
FIG4 is a system configuration diagram schematically showing the dielectric elastomer power generation system of FIG1
Subsequently, according to a command of the control unit 2, the switch unit 6, as shown in FIG4, disconnects the power generation unit 1 and the intermediate power storage unit 3, and connects the intermediate power storage unit 3 and the power storage unit 5. In the present invention, this mode is defined as an output mode, in which power is output from the intermediate power storage unit 3 to the power storage unit 5. Note that switching between the input mode and the output mode can be performed at any timing, and is judged by the control unit 2 using all sorts of judgment criteria. For example, by monitoring the voltage (input voltage Vi) of power generation by the power generation unit 1, switching from the input mode to the output mode may be performed in the case where the input voltage Vi is zero or a value approaching zero. Alternatively, switching from the input mode to the output mode may be performed in the case where the dielectric elastomer power generation element 11 is not significantly elongating and contracting, using a sensor (not shown) that detects the elongation and contraction state of the dielectric elastomer power generation element 11.
diagram
621
output path
63
intermediate switch unit
632
intermediate path
1
power generation unit
['1. A dielectric elastomer power generation system comprising: a power generation unit including a dielectric elastomer power generation element having a dielectric elastomer layer and a pair of electrode layers that sandwich the dielectric elastomer layer; an intermediate power storage unit including a plurality of capacitors of a specific number and configured to receive input of output power from the power generation unit; a power storage unit configured to receive input of output power from the intermediate power storage unit; and a control unit configured to perform setting control by switching a mode between an input mode and an output mode, wherein in the input mode, some number of the plurality of capacitors of the intermediate power storage unit are connected to the power generation unit such that a series number is an input series number of less than or equal to the specific number, and in the output mode, some number of the plurality of capacitors are connected to the power storage unit such that the series number is an output series number which is smaller than the input series number.']