Multifunctional TENG for Blue Energy Scavenging and Self‐Powered Wind‐Speed Sensor

Abstract

The water flow (so called "tides") and water waves are quite unique among the ocean mechanical energies. Even though the sun affects all ocean activities, tides are primarily driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and water waves are primarily driven by the winds. Thus, the water flow and water waves are intermittent sources of energy. The electricity conversion from both water flow and water wave energy usually involves the mechanical devices. These mechanical devices are mainly based on the conventional electromagnetic generators. However, they are not likely to effectively harvest the ocean waves since these waves have a much lower frequency, usually below 5 Hz. [1] Recently, a new type of the electricity nanogenerators has been invented that can be implemented to collect most types of energy such as mechanical energy, [2][3][4][5][6][7][8] wind energy, [9][10][11][12] water energy, [13][14][15][16][17] especially at the lower frequencies (i.e., below 5 Hz). [15] The triboeletrical nanogenerator (TENG) is based on the well-known triboelectric and electrostatic induction effects. The devices usually use the conventional polymer materials as the two electrodes, thus making them very light, low-cost, and easy to fabricate.In this work, a new multifunctional TENG has been developed for simultaneously harvesting water wave energy, water flow energy, and wind energy. Moreover, it has also been studied for a self-powered sensor for measuring the wind speed above the ocean surface. To our best knowledge, such type of integrated multifunctional TENG has not been explored before. [1,13]

Real-time diagnosis of small energy impacts using a triboelectric nanosensor

“…based on the contact-separation mode reported by Wang's group [38][39][40][41]. The electric responses of the TENG are generated due to the conjunction between contact electrification and electrostatic induction of two materials with different electron affinities [42,43].…”

Nonlinear dynamics and triboelectric energy harvesting from a three-degree-of-freedom vibro-impact oscillator

“…So far, most research on TEHs is limited to experimental studies, especially involving the technology of material surface processing. This has resulted in some self-powered prototype sensors tailored to far-reaching applications including active alcohol breath analysers [4], 3D acceleration sensors [5], dynamic displacement monitoring systems [6], and wind-speed sensors [7]. The triboelectric energy harvester studied in this paper can be modified for use in a number of real applications.…”

Flexible Drug Release Device Powered by Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…In recent years, numerous possible power harvesting strategies, including thermoelectric generators,14,15 solar cells,16,17 or wind energy,18,19 could pave the way for self‐powered electronics devices. However, the intermittency of wind and sunlight and lower energy conversion efficiency of thermoelectric was still a barrier for further advance.…”