Rotation-type actuator actuated by temperature fluctuation or temperature gradient and energy harvesting device using same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a rotation-type actuator which includes a fiber having a twisted structure, which is manufactured by rotating the fiber in the opposite directions. Here, the fiber is divided into a top portion and a bottom portion with respect to the center thereof, at least one of the top and bottom portions of the fiber is fixed, and the top and bottom portions of the fiber each independently have a coiled shape as a chiral Z-type or chiral S-type structure. The rotation-type actuator has an excellent rotation speed, and also exhibits no significant decrease in rotation speed due to excellent durability and stability even when used for a long period of time. In addition, the rotation-type actuator uses a polymer fiber manufactured through electro spinning alone or using a polymer sheet obtained by aligning the polymer fiber in a single direction, and can efficiently convert heat energy, which is wasted in the air, into mechanical energy without providing a high temperature fluctuation since the rotation-type actuator has reversible, rapid and efficient actuation using persistent temperature gradient supplied from a temperature difference present in surrounding environments. Accordingly, energy harvesting devices, having improved efficiency and excellent service life characteristics in recovering heat energy as electrical energy using the rotation-type actuator, can be provided.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.