A Bistable Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Low‐Grade Thermal Energy Harvesting and Solar Thermal Energy Conversion

Abstract

Converting ubiquitous ambient low‐grade thermal energy into electricity is of great significance for tackling the fossil energy shortage and environmental crisis but poses a considerable challenge. Here, a novel thermal‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TD‐TENG) is developed, which utilizes a bimetallic beam with a bi‐stable dynamic feature to induce continuous mechanical oscillations, and the mechanical motion is then converted into electric power using a contact‐separation TENG. The thermal process inside the device is systematically investigated and effective thermal management is conducted accordingly. After optimization, the TD‐TENG can produce a power density of 323.9 mW m−2 at 59.5 °C, obtaining the highest record of TENG‐based thermal energy harvesters. Besides, the first prototype of TENG‐based solar thermal harvester is successfully demonstrated, with a power density of 364.4 mW m−2. Moreover, the TD‐TENG can harvest and dissipate the heat at the same time, exhibiting great potential in over‐heated electronics protection as well as architectural energy conservation. Most importantly, the operation temperature range of the TD‐TENG is tunable by adjusting the bimetal parameters, allowing the device a wide and flexible working thermal gradient. These unique properties validate the TD‐TENG is a simple, feasible, cost‐effective, and high‐efficient low‐grade thermal energy harvester.

A Review of Contact Electrification at Diversified Interfaces and Related Applications on Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…Moreover, energy conversion and transmission based on the frictional electric effect have been extensively employed in wearable devices [ 97 ], biomedical applications [ 98 ], smart homes [ 99 ], intelligent transportation [ 100 , 101 ], environmental monitoring, and other domains [ 102 ]. These application scenarios not only enhance the energy efficiency of devices [ 103 ] but also provide greater convenience and comfort in people's lives. This session describes the practical application of different contact interfaces for starting electrical incoming bands in terms of their characteristics.…”

A Review of Fluid Energy Converters Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators: Performance Analysis from Energy Conversion

“…The HW-NG integrates the complementary advantages of TENG and EMG so that it can obtain satisfactory output in a wide operating frequency range. Furthermore, the combination of TENGs with solar cells and thermoelectric generators further enriches the working mode of the fluid energy collector [59,60]. In the follow-up discussion of this review, we have covered the above hybrid generators, while focusing on comparing the performance of TENGs.…”

Vertical Blinds-Inspired Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Wind Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Wind Speed Monitoring

“…In an era increasingly dominated by small electronic devices and sensors, the focus has intensified on creating compact, efficient energy-harvesting technologies. Unlike traditional large-scale power generators, modern energy harvesters are characterized by their compactness and adaptability, which enables them to be integrated into various environments and serve as localized, continuous power sources. − Furthermore, energy harvesters have recently been used for biomonitoring applications − and artificial intelligence-assisted sensors. , Among the renewable energy sources, wind energy, which is renowned for its abundance and sustainability, has traditionally been harnessed by using large wind turbines located in open areas. Despite their effective power generation, these turbines face limitations due to the need for high wind speeds, substantial land space, and environmental impacts, including noise pollution and aesthetic concerns.…”