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A Water‐Proof Triboelectric–Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator for Energy Harvesting in Harsh Environments
Author(s) -
Guo Hengyu,
Wen Zhen,
Zi Yunlong,
Yeh MinHsin,
Wang Jie,
Zhu Liping,
Hu Chenguo,
Wang Zhong Lin
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201501593
Subject(s) - triboelectric effect , energy harvesting , nanogenerator , materials science , mechanical energy , electrical engineering , voltage , generator (circuit theory) , magnet , transformer , supercapacitor , mechanical engineering , power (physics) , capacitance , engineering , composite material , electrode , physics , quantum mechanics
Packaging is a critical aspect of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) toward practical applications, since the performance of TENG is greatly affected by environmental conditions such as humidity. A waterproof triboelectric–electromagnetic hybrid generator (WPHG) for harvesting mechanical energy in harsh environments is reported. Since the mechanical transmission from the external mechanical source to the TENG is through a noncontact force between the paired magnets, a fully isolated packaging of TENG part can be easily achieved. At the same time, combining with metal coils, these magnets can be fabricated to be electromagnetic generators (EMG). The characteristics and advantages of outputs from both TENG and EMG are systematically studied and compared to each other. By using transformers and full‐wave rectifiers, 2.3 mA for total short‐circuit current and 5 V for open‐circuit voltage are obtained for WPHG under a rotation speed of 1600 rpm, and it can charge a supercapacitor (20 mF) to 1 V in 22s. Finally, the WPHG is demonstrated to harvest wind energy in the rainy condition and water‐flow energy under water. The reported WPHG renders an effective and sustainable technology for ambient mechanical energy harvesting in harsh environments. Solid progress in both the packaging of TENG and the practical applications of the hybrid generator toward practical power source and self‐powered systems is presented.