Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Harvesting Wind Energy: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives

Abstract

Throughout the world, wind energy is widely distributed as one of the most universal energy sources in nature, containing a gigantic reserve of renewable and green energy. At present, the main way to capture wind energy is to use an electromagnetic generator (EMG), but this technology has many limitations; notably, energy conversion efficiency is relatively low in irregular environments or when there is only a gentle breeze. A triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), which is based on the coupling effect of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, has obvious advantages for mechanical energy conversion in some specific situations. This review focuses on wind energy harvesting by TENG. First, the basic principles of TENG and existing devices’ working modes are introduced. Second, the latest research into wind energy-related TENG is summarized from the perspectives of structure design, self-power sensors and systems. Then, the potential for large-scale application and hybridization with other energy harvesting technologies is discussed. Finally, future trends and remaining challenges are anticipated and proposed.

Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Biowaste Tribopositive Delonix Regia Flowers Powder

“…Renewable energy sources have received a lot of attention in recent years, with wind energy, geothermal power, solar energy, as well as piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerator. [ 23–27 ]…”

Toward Large-Scale Energy Harvesting by a UV-Curable Organic-Coating-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator

“…Taking the advantages of light weight, simple structure, high power density and efficient low-frequency vibration energy scavenging, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) stand out as an attractive technology for efficient mechanical energy harvesting [ 16 , 17 , 18 ]. Based on the coupling effect of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, TENGs can efficiently collect electricity from random, irregular, and/or low-frequency energy, such as mechanical vibration [ 19 , 20 ], wind [ 21 , 22 ], body motion [ 23 , 24 ], and ocean waves [ 25 , 26 , 27 ].…”

A High-Performance Flag-Type Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Scavenging Wind Energy toward Self-Powered IoTs

“…Wang’s team invented the triboelectric nanogenerator, in 2012, based on a combination of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction [ 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 ]. It has been proven to harvest fluttering wind energy with a wide frequency range due to its advantages of low cost, light weight, simple structure, stable output, wide choice of materials, and strong environmental adaptability [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 ]. Recently, many scholars have devoted themselves to the research of fluttering wind energy harvesters.…”