Electroactive polymer energy converter

A method of generating balanced multi-phase energy from a mechanical energy source, the method comprising:

• arranging a first dielectric elastomer film and a second dielectric elastomer film at opposite points in a work cycle;
• alternately straining and relaxing the first and second dielectric elastomer films to a predetermined maximum strain of the work cycle using a mechanical energy source such that a total passive strain energy remains constant;
• monitoring, by a strain controller, when the first or second dielectric elastomer film reaches the predetermined maximum strain of the work cycle;
• transferring, by a charge controller, an electrical charge to the first and second dielectric elastomer film when the first and second dielectric elastomer films reach the maximum strain of the work cycle;
• removing by the charge controller the electrical charge on the first and second dielectric elastomer when the first and second dielectric elastomer reaches a predetermined minimum strain of the work cycle.