Devices, methods, and systems for electrostatic machines which can act as both an electric motor, converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, and an electric generator, converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, are described. In some embodiments, a spring positioned between two oppositely charged plates may be used as an electric motor and/or electric generator.

Devices, methods, and systems for electrostatic machines which can act as both an electric motor, converting electrical energy to mechanical energy, and an electric generator, converting mechanical energy to electrical energy, are described. In some embodiments, a spring positioned between two oppositely charged plates may be used as an electric motor and/or electric generator.

A power generator includes a power generating unit and at least one of a power storage unit or an output unit that is electrically connected to the power generating unit. The power generating unit includes an electret having a first charged surface and a second charged surface that are charged with opposite polarities, a first electrode formed on the first charged surface, and a second electrode formed on the second charged surface. The electret is formed by polarizing an electret material that includes an inorganic dielectric having a bandgap energy of 4 eV or more. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode are partially disposed on the corresponding charged surface such that at least one of the first charged surface or the second charged surface has a portion as a current collecting surface exposed outward.

A power generator includes a power generating unit and at least one of a power storage unit or an output unit that is electrically connected to the power generating unit. The power generating unit includes an electret having a first charged surface and a second charged surface that are charged with opposite polarities, a first electrode formed on the first charged surface, and a second electrode formed on the second charged surface. The electret is formed by polarizing an electret material that includes an inorganic dielectric having a bandgap energy of 4 eV or more. At least one of the first electrode or the second electrode are partially disposed on the corresponding charged surface such that at least one of the first charged surface or the second charged surface has a portion as a current collecting surface exposed outward.

Provided is an energy conversion film excellent in charge retention performance and suppressed in deterioration of piezoelectricity even if it is exposed to a high temperature environment and an energy conversion element and the like using the film. An energy conversion element comprising: an energy conversion film at least comprises a charged resin film consisting of a resin film at least containing a thermoplastic resin and a metal soap; and an electrode provided on at least one of the two surfaces of the energy conversion film.

Provided is an energy conversion film excellent in charge retention performance and suppressed in deterioration of piezoelectricity even if it is exposed to a high temperature environment and an energy conversion element and the like using the film. An energy conversion element comprising: an energy conversion film at least comprises a charged resin film consisting of a resin film at least containing a thermoplastic resin and a metal soap; and an electrode provided on at least one of the two surfaces of the energy conversion film.

The present invention is directed to providing an electrostatic actuator that can generate a large electrostatic force even if composed of a ribbon-shaped electrode film.

In an electrostatic actuator 10, 20 including a ribbon-shaped first electrode film 11 and a ribbon-shaped second electrode film 12, a plurality of first electrodes 1 formed of the first electrode film 11 and a plurality of second electrodes 2 formed of the second electrode film 12 are folded and laminated between one end 13 and the other end 14 of the electrostatic actuator 10, 20, and the plurality of first electrodes 1 include a pair of end electrodes 1a that are adjacent to each other in a direction in which the first electrode film 11 extends in a ribbon shape and are respectively positioned at the one end 13 and the other end 14 when laminated and at least one intermediate electrode 1b that is positioned between the end electrodes 1a when laminated.

The present invention is directed to providing an electrostatic actuator that can generate a large electrostatic force even if composed of a ribbon-shaped electrode film.

In an electrostatic actuator 10, 20 including a ribbon-shaped first electrode film 11 and a ribbon-shaped second electrode film 12, a plurality of first electrodes 1 formed of the first electrode film 11 and a plurality of second electrodes 2 formed of the second electrode film 12 are folded and laminated between one end 13 and the other end 14 of the electrostatic actuator 10, 20, and the plurality of first electrodes 1 include a pair of end electrodes 1a that are adjacent to each other in a direction in which the first electrode film 11 extends in a ribbon shape and are respectively positioned at the one end 13 and the other end 14 when laminated and at least one intermediate electrode 1b that is positioned between the end electrodes 1a when laminated.

An environmental energy harvesting device comprises: an energy converting element that converts environmental energy into electric energy; an environmental sensor that is disposed in an identical environment as the energy converting element; and a power supply circuit that receives electricity converted into by the energy converting element and outputs the electricity to an outside. The power supply circuit changes an operation condition in accordance with an output of the environmental sensor.

A vibrational energy harvester element includes: a first electrode; a second electrode that moves in a predetermined direction with respect to the first electrode; a third electrode; a fourth electrode that moves in the predetermined direction with respect to the third electrode; and a support portion that supports the second electrode and the fourth electrode so that they are movable along the predetermined direction; and wherein: the first electrode and the third electrode are disposed along the predetermined direction; at least one of facing surfaces of the first electrode and the second electrode, and at least one of facing surfaces of the third electrode and the fourth electrode, are electrically charged; and the support portion supports the second electrode and the fourth electrode in a state in which electrostatic force between the first electrode and the second electrode, and electrostatic force between the third electrode and the fourth electrode are balanced along the predetermined direction.