초록 ▼

A flexible layer of piezoelectric material, e.g., a known PVDF polymer, is used for generating electrical energy for use on a water craft. In one arrangement, the sheet is laminated within a craft hull of fiberglass. Electrodes are provided for the major opposite surfaces of the layer, and an encaps

A flexible layer of piezoelectric material, e.g., a known PVDF polymer, is used for generating electrical energy for use on a water craft. In one arrangement, the sheet is laminated within a craft hull of fiberglass. Electrodes are provided for the major opposite surfaces of the layer, and an encapsulating material, e.g., fiberglass or a layer of the polymer itself, comprises the water contacting, exterior surface of the hull. In salt water, the water is one electrode, and an outer encapsulating layer is omitted. Spaced apart air pockets are optionally provided along the polymer sheet for increasing the flexing thereof in response to passing water and for inducing turbulence in the passing water. Elongated, flexible and electroded sheets, optionally including air pockets, are towed behind or beneath the craft, or are flown from a mast on the craft.

대표청구항 ▼

A generator for generating electrical energy in response to being disposed within a moving fluid, the generator comprising a flexible, electroded sheet of piezoelectric material, said sheet having oppositely disposed major surfaces, and spaced apart protrusions on one of said surfaces for inducing t

A generator for generating electrical energy in response to being disposed within a moving fluid, the generator comprising a flexible, electroded sheet of piezoelectric material, said sheet having oppositely disposed major surfaces, and spaced apart protrusions on one of said surfaces for inducing turbulence in the fluid passing said one surface.