Multi‐Effects Coupled Nanogenerators for Simultaneously Harvesting Solar, Thermal, and Mechanical Energies

Abstract

As a result of the widespread use of small‐scale and low‐power electronic devices, the demand for micro‐energy sources has increased, in particular the potential to harvest the wide variety of energy sources present in their surrounding environment. In this paper, a novel coupled nanogenerator that can realize energy harvesting for multiple energy sources is reported on. Based on the unique electrical properties of ferroelectric Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3 (BNT) materials, it is possible to combine a photovoltaic cell, pyroelectric nanogenerator, and triboelectric‐piezoelectric nanogenerator in a single element to harvest light, heat, and mechanical energy simultaneously. To evaluate the effectiveness of coupling for different materials, a Yang coupling factor (kC,Q) is defined in terms of transferred charge, where BNT has the largest kC,Q of 1.29 during heating, indicating that BNT has the best coupling enhancement compared to common ferroelectric materials. This new criterion and novel device structure therefore provide a new basis for the future development of coupled nanogenerators which are capable of harvesting multiple sources of energy.

A Spin-Charge-Regulated Self-Powered Nanogenerator for Simultaneous Pyro-Magneto-Electric Energy Harvesting

“…The thermal energy harvester slows at night or during low-temperature fluctuations, and the ME energy harvester is of no use in the absence of stray magnetic fields. To overcome these technicalities, a multiple-energy harvesting technology is proposed as a viable solution to the sustainable energy supply. , It enables the generation of consistent and efficient electric energy at multiple energy inputs at itinerant transductions. − In this series, multisource hybrid energy harvesters with multiple energy conversion materials and conformers are being developed to optimize the output power when multiple energy sources are available, either concurrently or alternately. − …”

“…The group of Hwang developed a cantilever-shaped magneto-mechano-triboelectric nanogenerator employing a flash-stamped nylon film and a standard Teflon sheet as triboelectric materials . To date, several hybrid energy harvesters have been devised to harvest two or three types of waste energy together. − So far, no report is available on harvesting thermal and EM energy together. Thus, a strategy to capture, unite, and convert such waste energies jointly into electricity will be an asset in the era of sustainable, efficient, ecofriendly, and scalable power outsourcing green energy.…”