Bladeless-Turbine-Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Fluid Energy Harvesting and Self-Powered Fluid Gauge

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is attractive as an energy harvesting and self-powered sensing technology. The working frequency and surface charge density are the key factors that influence the output performance. To boosting the output of the TENG by improving the working frequency, a bladeless turbine-based triboelectric nanogenerator (BT-TENG) is designed, which transforms the fluid flow into a high rotation motion that drives the rotation TENG. When blown by compressed air, the BT-TENG rotates at an average speed of 7500 rpm. Owing to its high-frequency rotation, the short-circuit current of the BT-TENG is 60 mu A and the output power is 3.6 mW. By integrating six layers of TENG into the bladeless turbine (BT-6TENGs), the total short-circuit current is 180 mu A and the output power reaches 15 mW. The BT-6TENGs could charge a 4.7 mF capacitor to 3.6 V within 3 min, and continuously drive a wireless sensor to collect data and transmit to a smartphone. In practical applications, the BT-TENG could harvest steam mechanical energy, which can be widely used in home heat steam to industrial wasted heat. Additionally, the BT-TENG is integrated within a fluidic system as a self-powered flow rate sensor.