Rolling Spherical Triboelectric Nanogenerators (RS-TENG) under Low-Frequency Ocean Wave Action

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG), which convert mechanical energy (such as ocean waves) from the surrounding environment into electrical energy, have been identified as a green energy alternative for addressing the environmental issues resulting from the use of traditional energy resources. In this experimental design, we propose rolling spherical triboelectric nanogenerators (RS-TENG) for collecting energy from low-frequency ocean wave action. Copper and aluminum were used to create a spherical frame which functions as the electrode. In addition, different sizes of spherical dielectric (SD1, SD2, SD3, and SD4) were developed in order to compare the dielectric effect on output performance. This design places several electrodes on each side of the spherical structure such that the dielectric layers are able to move with the slightest oscillation and generate electrical energy. The performance of the RS-TENG was experimentally investigated, with the results indicating that the spherical dielectrics significantly impact energy harvesting performance. On the other hand, the triboelectric materials (i.e., copper and aluminum) play a less important role. The copper RS-TENG with the largest spherical dielectrics is the most efficient structure, with a maximum output of 12.75 V in open-circuit and a peak power of approximately 455 nW.

Recent Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Marine Exploitation

“…[ 103,221,222 ] At the same time, many high output TENGs with the rotating structures are also used for water flow and wave energy harvesting to compose self‐powered cathodic corrosion protection. [ 81,223 ] Through charge injection and material optimization, Wang et al. installed contact separated TENG with high output characteristics to power self‐powered anti‐corrosion research.…”

“…[78][79][80] Meanwhile, Wang et al have increased the output frequency of TENG by increasing the number of electrode pairs to further improve the efficiency of water wave energy harvesting by increasing the output frequency and output current of TENG. [81,82] In addition, to further enhance the contacted area of TENG, the previous multipoint contacted structure has been replaced by the area contact of soft silicone rubber core (Figure 3e). [83] Compared with a conventional single point contact, the soft-contact spherical TENG shows ten times increase in the output performance.…”

“…[103,221,222] At the same time, many high output TENGs with the rotating structures are also used for water flow and wave energy harvesting to compose selfpowered cathodic corrosion protection. [81,223] Through charge injection and material optimization, Wang et al installed contact separated TENG with high output characteristics to power self-powered anti-corrosion research. [224,225] According to the above researches, the surface potential of the protected metal will be pulsed down with the output signal of TENG, so as to timely supplement the lost electrons of the protected metal to maintain the stability of its own structure and achieve the goal of anti-corrosion.…”

Structural Flexibility in Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A Review on the Adaptive Design for Self-Powered Systems

“…As mentioned above, the TENG is now considered as a new energy-harvesting technology and can collect energy from the ambient environment on the basis of coupled triboelectrification effect and electrostatic induction [ 32 ]. However, to continually and stably power various electronic devices, TENGs must be cost-effective and sustainable while offering features such as lightweight, small size, and high efficiency, even at low frequencies [ 33 , 34 ].…”

Recent Progress of Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Biomedical Sensors: From Design to Application

“…Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are energy-harvesting devices that use the triboelectric effect to produce electrical power. TENGs are employed in various sectors, including communications (mobile phones), medical (health field) [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 ], energy absorption from ocean waves [ 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ], and other fields, demonstrating the significant potential of this field in the future. Energy has always been among the most important themes in human history, as is currently the case [ 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”