Smart Solar‐Panel Umbrella toward High‐Efficient Hybrid Solar and Rain Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Solar photovoltaic power generation technology is the top priority of the global energy development strategy. Although the photoelectric conversion efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells is as high as 33.7%, the power generation efficiency is relatively low or even unable to generate power normally under low‐light environments such as rainy weather and a cloudy day. Herein, a smart solar panel umbrella system with an auto open and close function is realized by integrating a polysilicon solar cell module and an interdigitated electrode structure triboelectric nanogenerator (IDE–TENG) toward hybrid solar and rain energy harvesting. The output performances of the IDE–TENG are systematically investigated and optimized by regulating the dielectric thickness, inclination angle of IDE–TENG, and various drip types. On this basis, combined with the solar module, the function of auto open and close for the smart solar panel system is realized by a 32‐bit microcontroller and a raindrop sensor, which can be automatically switched as the weather changes and maintain high power conversion efficiency of 19.61% of the solar cell. This smart solar panel umbrella system can be used as a self‐powered supply for all‐weather landscape lighting to save the utilization of fossil energy and contribute in the realization of carbon neutrality.

From Triboelectric Nanogenerator to Hybrid Energy Harvesters: A Review on the Integration Strategy toward High Efficiency and Multifunctionality

“…The automatic opening and closing function of the intelligent solar panel system is achieved using microcontrollers and raindrop sensors. The system can work alternately with weather changes, maintaining a high power conversion efficiency of 19.61% of the solar cell, serving as an uninterrupted self power supply system in any weather, effectively saving the use of fossil fuels [95].…”

“…They studied the effects of the friction layer, inclination angle, and various liquid types on system output, and achieved an automatic opening and closing function and high power conversion efficiency of intelligent energy harvesting systems. This system helps to efficiently harvest and utilize clean energy, saving fossil energy consumption [95]. A summary and comparison of the recently developed hybrid devices are listed in Table 2.…”

Static Load Analysis of Inverted Umbrella Structure for Rain Water Harvesting

“…Due to the high rate of enteric and water-borne disease transmission, inadequate and unsafe water supplies, as well as poor sanitation and hygiene practices, are linked to increased morbidity and mortality. Millions of people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water for home use, and in many developing nations, conventional piped water is nonexistent, unstable, or prohibitively expensive [2,3].…”

Self-powered PtNi-polyaniline films for converting rain energy into electricity

“…[19][20][21] In addition, the issue is even more challenging in rain-rich countries or regions, such as in Southeast Asia and South America, which are subjected to rain for more than 30 percent of the year. 22 Therefore, a promising strategy to break this impasse is to design new materials and/or technologies to harvest rain energy for supplementing the electricity production situation. 23,24 Following this line of thought, a feasible strategy for harvesting energy in rainy environments has been realized by reduced graphene oxide (rGO) material made by an easy hotpressing method, which opens up a novel era for the capture and applications of rain energy.…”

“…19–21 In addition, the issue is even more challenging in rain-rich countries or regions, such as in Southeast Asia and South America, which are subjected to rain for more than 30 percent of the year. 22 Therefore, a promising strategy to break this impasse is to design new materials and/or technologies to harvest rain energy for supplementing the electricity production situation. 23,24…”