Dynamic behavior and energy flow of floating triboelectric nanogenerators

• Published in: Applied energy 2024-08, Vol.367, p.123468, Article 123468
• Main Authors: Xu, Shuxing, Zhang, Jiabin, Su, Erming, Li, Chengyu, Tang, Wei, Liu, Guanlin, Cao, Leo N.Y., Wang, Zhong Lin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Blue energy; Kinetics analysis; Optical motion capture system; Six degrees of freedom test; Triboelectric nanogenerator
• ISSN: 0306-2619
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123468

The comprehension of the dynamic behavior and energy flow characteristics of triboelectric nanogenerators on water is a prerequisite for enhancing wave energy conversion efficiency and output performance, yet these data have always been lacking, impeding their progress in harnessing blue energy. Herein, a series of meticulously conducted experiments aim to unveil the interaction between water waves and the geometrical structures of floating triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs). The six degrees of freedom (6DoF) information of various F-TENGs under wave excitation is received for the first time by employing the new high-tech Infrared Optical Capture System and precision numeric analysis. Based on statistical data from 118 research papers, the most universally applicable modes/parameters are systematically explored, as well as the non-rigid body models. The six-dimensional kinematic radar matrices and energy gradient curves, peeled from the calculation and statistics of the 6DoF data, have comprehensively illuminated the dynamic behavior and energy flow of F-TENGs while interacting with water waves. These results can serve as an enlightening framework for structural design and facilitate the optimization of F-TENG in harnessing blue energy. Using the infrared optical motion capture system to monitor the six-degree-of-freedom motion of triboelectric nanogenerators under wave excitation, with the aim of kinetics analysis and mechanical energy calculations, thus facilitating the prediction of optimized structural designs. [Display omitted] •A novel method is introduced for the six-degree-of-freedom analysis of floating triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs).•The non-rigid models with control variables are universal and close to the real situation.•F-TENGs' comprehensive attitude tracking and analysis of dynamics/energy under wave excitation are provided.•The resulting rules can facilitate and guide the structural optimization of F-TENGs for wave-energy conversion.•Fluid dynamics analysis software is employed to elucidate the rules governing F-TENG parameters.