Energy harvesting system based on Ionic polymer-metal composites – identification of electrical parameters

This paper presents the results of preliminary studies concerning the creation of a precise mathematical description of the ionic polymer-metal composite (IPMC) element that works in an electrical circuit. Such a model could simplify the design and accelerate the prototyping of a new generation of actuators, sensors, and energy harvesters. Energy harvested by the IPMC can be used to power everyday use electronic devices. Energy harvesting utilizing smart materials can be a breakthrough in energy-savings, thus it can provide some additional environmental protection. Series and parallel connections of two IPMC samples are researched in order to check the influence the samples have on each other.