Wheel device for use as e.g. alternator, in car, has energy conversion element to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in operating condition, where conversion element includes smart material designed as electroactive polymer

摘要

The wheel device (10) has an energy conversion element (12) intended to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in an operating condition, where the energy conversion element includes a smart material designed as an electroactive polymer. The energy conversion element is arranged between a vehicle tire (14) and a vehicle wheel rim (16). A control unit (20) is provided to partly measure the electrical energy obtained by the energy conversion element, and an air pressure sensor (22) is attached to the control unit. An independent claim is also included for a method for converting mechanical energy into electrical energy with a vehicle wheel device.