Energy Harvesting Based on Bistable Shape Memory Film Actuation

This work presents a SMA-based bistable actuator and a miniature-scale thermal energy harvester. The dynamic performance of bistable actuation is investigated by selectively heating. Different energy harvesting units can either work independently and simultaneously or be connected in series or parallel to increase the power density. The results of this work provide the basis for the design of novel waste-heat thermal actuators operating at low-temperature differences.