Enhancing Low-Velocity Water Flow Energy Harvesting of Triboelectric–Electromagnetic Generator via Biomimetic-Fin Strategy and Swing-Rotation Mechanism

Abstract

A general problem is that the energy harvesting of lowvelocity rivers closely related to human life is difficult. Herein, a softbionic-fin structure triboelectric−electromagnetic generator (SF-TEG) with swing-rotation mechanism is proposed. It consists of a bionic fintype soft body and a power generation part including the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG). Specifically, the soft body driven by the vortex effect acquires swing, which brings the TENG to obtain oscillation and then drives the EMG to realize water flow energy harvesting. The TENG and EMG attain the output voltages of 143 to 203 V and 4.6 to 7.7 V, respectively, under flow velocities from 0.34 to 0.96 m/s. The output voltages of the TENG and EMG retain about 98% and 100%, respectively, after 4 h of continuous work. Additionally, the SF-TEG can harvest water flow energy from open channels to power sensors to provide temperature, humidity, and light intensity for greenhouses.

Recent Advances in Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Marine Exploitation

“…to significantly enhance the output performance of whole device (Figure 7c). [ 113–115 ] By mechanical device to make the energy harvesting system adapt the external excitation and regulation, Zhao et al. displayed a novel concept of mechanical intelligent energy to design an irregular wave energy harvesting system.…”

“…[112] All kinds of rotary structure hybrid generators were also designed by Feng et al to significantly enhance the output performance of whole device (Figure 7c). [113][114][115] By mechanical device to make the energy harvesting system adapt the external excitation and regulation, Zhao et al displayed a novel concept of mechanical [104] Copyright 2021, Wiley-VCH. b) Pendulum hybrid device.…”

Recent Progress in Application‐Oriented Self‐Powered Microelectronics

“…In addition, this TENG successfully powers wireless plant sensors and develops automatic irrigation systems to help realize the intelligentization and informatization of agriculture. Inspired by the eddy current effect of fish fins, Zhang et al [590] developed a soft-bionic-fin structure triboelectric-electromagnetic generator. Specifically, the vortex effect-driven soft body swings to make the TENG oscillate, and drives the EMG through the swing-rotation mechanism to realize water flow energy harvesting.…”

“…Inspired by the eddy current effect of fish fins, Zhang et al. [ 590 ] developed a soft‐bionic‐fin structure triboelectric‐electromagnetic generator. Specifically, the vortex effect‐driven soft body swings to make the TENG oscillate, and drives the EMG through the swing‐rotation mechanism to realize water flow energy harvesting.…”

Multi‐Mode Vibrational Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Broadband Energy Harvesting and Utilization in Smart Transmission Lines

“…[24][25][26] Researchers have successfully employed TENGs to power various small electronic devices, such as temperature and humidity sensors, [27] anemometers, [28] and light sensors. [29] On the other hand, the transmission lines are usually designed with large spans and elevated structures, and so that the wires are prone to the periodic vibrations induced by wind action. [30,31] These periodic vibrations mainly manifest as the vertical breeze vibration and the horizontal sub-span oscillation and gallop.…”