The require no outside power source. These are typically installed in the building's diagonal bracing system. In other cases. they can be used between the foundation and the isolation platform in conjunction with base isolation technology. Fluid viscous dampers consist of pistons in metal cylinders filled wilth silicon fluid. Like shock absorbers, they dissipate energy by regulating the flow of fluid through tiny orifices.
Viscoelastic dampers consist of stacked plates separated by inert polymer materials.
Such dampers dissipate energy by shear deformation of the copolymer. Like all dampers. Viseoelastic devices also add stiffness. In some buildings. that stiffness might draw more load to the top-a bad thing. But that won't be the case in short buildings.