Flexible Cube-Shaped PTFE-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Improving Wind Energy Harvesting Output

Abstract

This study presents a newly developed wind-driven triboelectric nanogenerator (WD-TENG) using flexible cube polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) to improve harvesting energy in four directions. The flexible cube-shaped PTFE was made with a deformable surface that allowed for a larger contact area during triboelectricity. When the wind was introduced into the cylinder structure, the cube-shaped PTFEs were rotated by the force of the wind and generated electricity through contact and separation with aluminum (Al) attached to the inner wall of the cylinder. As a result, the flexible cube-shaped PTFE-based WD-TENG increased the output performance by up to 25.1% compared with the WD-TENG using the stiff cube-shaped PTFEs. It was observed that the output value exhibited a linear relationship with respect to changes in wind speed in both cube types. The number of illuminated LEDs demonstrated that the wind, applied from four different directions, yielded comparable power outputs regardless of the direction of wind.

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

“…Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as a promising tool for wind energy harvesting. − TENGs operate on the principles of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction and generate electricity through the dynamic interaction of materials; the process involves contact and separation phases, resulting in the transfer of electrical charge . The efficiency of TENGs is attributed to their ability to harness a wide range of mechanical motions, from simple vibrations to complex rotational movements, and convert these motions into usable electrical energy.…”