Dielectric elastomer generators (DEGs) offer a novel
and sustainable
energy solution that can efficiently convert mechanical energy from
natural motion into electricity. Among various structures, uniaxial
DEGs are particularly promising due to their simplicity. However,
the ideal uniaxial configuration remains unclear, and a performance-enhancing
principle has not been proposed. In this study, a silicone-based composite
with exceptional dielectric and mechanical properties was fabricated,
and a uniaxial DEG was designed with an adjustable aspect ratio (L/W)
and its harvesting performance was systematically studied and improved.
In addition, a three-dimensional finite element model is constructed
to reveal the underlying mechanism by investigating the nonuniform
deformation of the dielectric elastomer (DE) film and its effect on
energy harvesting. The results indicate that DEGs with larger L/W
exhibit more uniform and extensive deformation, which increases the
electric field strength and is beneficial for performance enhancement.
On the other hand, an excessively large L/W can lead to a rapid reduction
in the permittivity of DE and an increase in charge leakage, which
hinder performance enhancement. As a result, a well-designed DEG with
a moderate L/W achieves the up-to-date highest power conversion efficiency
of 40.5% and a high energy density (54.4 mJ/g), surpassing previously
reported uniaxial DEGs.