Patent ID: 6376968
Filing Date: 2002-04-23
Classification: H02N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method of generating electrical energy comprising the steps of applying mechanical energy to a body of an electrostrictive material for variable stressing said body, said material having a piezoelectric characteristic, d31, defined by:d31=&Dgr;Q/&Dgr;S when:&Dgr;Q is the change of charge density produced in response to a change of stressing of the body; and &Dgr;S is the change of stressing of the body in response to the application of mechanical forces against the body; applying a d.c. voltage between electrodes on said body during said energy applying step for increasing the value of d31 in proportion to the amplitude of the d.c. voltage; and collecting the charge induced by said stressing for conversion into useful electrical power.