Title: Use of thermoplastic polyurethanes for converting mechanical energy to electrical energy

Number: EP2509127  and EP2509126

Publication date: 10-10-2012

Applicant/Assignee: Bayer MS

Gist: Use of TPU as an electroactive polymer which is periodically streched and relaxed to produce electricity

Why it is interesting: Bayer claim to use a TPU with a conventional composition -but with a correct hardblock content and morphology- as a dielectric electroactive polymer. Covered with electrodes, electrical charge will appear on both sides of a TPU strip when streched, the charge will flow and result in an electrical current when the polymer is relaxed. The TPU needs the correct stiffness, dielectric constant and electrical breakdown porperties. Both wave- and wind energy harvesting are claimed.