Electrical generator or motor structure – Non-dynamoelectric – Piezoelectric elements and devices
Patent
1995-08-07
1996-09-03
Dougherty, Thomas M.
Electrical generator or motor structure
Non-dynamoelectric
Piezoelectric elements and devices
310317, 310319, 310339, H01L 4109, H01L 41113
Patent
active
055526560
ABSTRACT:
An anti-fouling device comprises a layer of piezoelectric material, preferably a poled plastic material such as a PVDF polymer, for mounting on the hull of a watercraft. The layer has electrodes on opposite major surfaces thereof, and the layers are connected to a power supply comprising a battery and a d.c. to a.c. converter. The converter generates an a.c. voltage at a frequency, e.g., 20 KHz, for causing vibrations of the layer, such vibrations serving to retard the growth of water dwelling organisms in the craft. The layer electrodes are also connected to an a.c. to d.c. converter for converting a.c. energy to d.c. energy suitable for trickle charging the power supply battery. Accordingly, during transit of the craft through the water, water induced hull vibrations cause vibrations of the layer for generating a.c. energy for storage in the battery, which stored energy is used for causing anti-fouling vibrations of the energy generating layer.
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Latour, M. et al, "Application of PVF.sub.2 Transducers as Piezoelectric Vibraters for Marine Fouling Prevention", Ferroelectrics, 1981 vol. 32, pp. 33-37.
Dougherty Thomas M.
Epstein Michael Y.
Ocean Power Technologies, Inc.
Schanzer Henry I.
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