Triboelectric-Based Wind-Driven Nano-Power Energy Generator

Triboelectricity has emerged as a promising and novel method for low-power systems. In this study, a novel system is presented that converts wind energy into electrical energy through triboelectric energy conversion. The proposed system is based on the principle of a Van de Graaff machine. As is known, the required mechanical energy in a Van de Graaff generator is supplied by a DC motor. In this study, the required mechanical energy is provided by the wind using a propeller system, where the mechanical energy from the wind rotates a belt system, storing static charges generated by the friction of different materials and converting them into electrical energy. A laboratory-scale generator was manufactured, and data were collected under various experimental conditions. It was observed that the experimental generator could charge a 100 mu F capacitor to 20.7 V within 6 min at a wind speed of 7 m/s. Furthermore, it was observed that the presented generator exhibited an energy generation capacity of 21.4 mJ over the same duration. Although the obtained energy is low, the simplicity of the system, absence of a traditional electric generator, and the potential to provide necessary energy production for off-grid, remote, low-power applications with improvements are considered its main advantages.