A Direct-Current Triboelectric Nanogenerator Energy Harvesting System Based on Water Electrification for Self-Powered Electronics

Abstract

This study aimed to develop a simple but effective mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion for harvesting hydrokinetic energy based on triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology. Here, a direct-current fluid-flow-based TENG is reported as a potential solution to solve the inconvenience of directly powering electronic devices where direct-current (DC) power is required. The falling of a water droplet (about 1.06 mL) from an elastomeric pipe can generate an open-circuit voltage of ~35 V, short-circuit current of 3.7 µA, and peak power of 57.6 µW by passing through a separated electrode. Notably, the electrical responses have the distinct characteristics of pulsed direct current. The ability to generate DC outputs enables the TENG to directly drive electronic devices. Our experimental results prove that this TENG can act as a power source to directly light up 50 light-emitting diodes without requiring a rectifier, and, also, the produced electric energy was demonstrated that can be stored directly in a capacitor to power commercial temperature and humidity IoT sensors. Furthermore, the device shows a greatly varied output voltage based on the droplet flow rate, with a linearity R2 = 0.998. This work highlights a promising potential for applications in harvesting hydrokinetic energy and self-powered sensors and systems.

Recent progress in self-powered sensor based on liquid-solid triboelectric nanogenerator

“…These modes include contact separation, [43][44][45][46] lateral sliding, [47][48][49] free-standing, 19,20,[50][51][52][53][54][55][56][57][58][59][60][61][62][63] and single electrode modes. 15,33,[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73]…”

“…Compared to the other modes such as contact separation, lateral sliding, and free-standing modes, which generate electricity due two the electrostatic induction process between two electrodes, a single-electrode-based L-S TENG has several advantages. 15,33,[64][65][66][67][68][69][70][71][72][73] Lin et al demonstrated a water-TENG with a superhydrophobic PTFE surface, working in a single-electrode mode, that can convert the energy from flowing water and falling droplets (Figure6a ). 15 This device can generate a maximum voltage and current of 9.3 V and 17 μA, respectively, from a water droplet of about 30-μL.…”

Energy Harvesting in Underwater Acoustic Wireless Sensor Networks: Design, Taxonomy, Applications, Challenges and Future Directions

“…It can harvest energy from ocean waves with a maximum frequency of 75 Hz. A TENG is designed in [78] to harvest electrical energy from the kinetic energy of water. A drop of water falls from an elastomeric pipe and passes through an electrode that generates an open circuit voltage for energy harvesting.…”

“…Energy harvesting using solar cells[57]-[61], AUV motion or kinetic energy[62]-[78] and marine life[79]-[90]. The symbol x indicates unspecified metric value.…”

“…(Cont). Energy harvesting using solar cells[57]-[61], AUV motion or kinetic energy[62]-[78] and marine life[79]-[90]. The symbol x means unspecified value.VOLUME 4, 2016 This article has been accepted for publication in IEEE Access.…”