Dielectric elastomers have two operating modes; one is an actuator mode. The operating principle is to use the horizontal deformation of elastomers that is consequence of the synergistic combination of an electrostatic force and a repulsive force between the electrodes generated when a voltage difference is applied between the two electrodes. The other operating mode for dielectric elastomers is the generator mode, consisting of the reverse operation of the actuator function, storing the increase in electrostatic energy originating in the elastomer deformation by application of an external force. As this electric generation does not depend on the deformation speed, the generator working under this phenomenon can harvest natural energy sources, which have not been used, such as waves, river streams, the movement of human beings and animals, as well as of vehicles and buildings, to generate energy. In this paper, we discuss the potential of dielectric elastomers, a new energy transduction technology that can be used to harvest energy from the environment or human activities as well as save energy by making light and efficient motors and other devices.
