Multi-Tunnel Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Scavenging Mechanical Energy in Marine Floating Bodies
Ziyi Zhang, Zhiyuan Hu, Yan Wang, Yawei Wang, Qiqi Zhang, Dehua Liu, Hao Wang, Minyi Xu
Abstract
The ocean has an abundant reserve of wave energy, which is considered to be a clean, widely distributed and inexhaustible resource. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have been regarded as a reliable technology for harvesting wave energy due to its robustness and efficiency in scavenging random mechanical energy. In this study, a wave energy harvesting multi-tunnel TENG (MT-TENG) has been proposed, which could be integrated easily with ocean buoys. The MT-TENG consists of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) balls and a multi-tunnel frame, which could convert wave energy into electrical energy. The multi-tunnel design also avoids possible mutual obstruction of the PFTE balls during the movement. Compared with the flat type structure, the multi-tunnel structure could enhance output performance obviously. With an agitation frequency of 2 Hz and vibration amplitude of 130 mm, the MT-TENG has a peak power density of 8.3 W/m3, which is five times that of the flat type structure TENG. By integrating with a life buoy and floating pipe line, the MT-TENG could harvest wave energy to light LEDs continuously, which could provide a new solution for maritime rescue and night offshore oil delivery warning.