Optimization strategy of wind energy harvesting via triboelectric-electromagnetic flexible cooperation

Abstract

As a favorable renewable energy source, wind energy has the advantages of large reserves and wide distribution. To harvest wind energy effectively, an optimization strategy of wind energy harvesting is proposed in this paper, which flexibly combines the complementary advantages of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG) in different energy harvesting environments. Specifically, in weak wind environments, the TENG operates independently to harvest energy. While, once the wind speed increases to the critical wind speed, the EMG starts and operates coordinately with the TENG, which will effectively increase the energy harvesting capacity of the wind energy harvester. Based on this optimization strategy, the flexible cooperation triboelectric-electromagnetic harvester (FC-TEH) is designed. The FC-TEH could flexibly adjust energy harvesting capability according to variants of wind speed and adapt to the instability of natural wind. Experiments demonstrate that at the critical wind speed of 6 m/s, the FC-TEH reaches the critical speed (108 rpm). At natural wind speeds of about 8 m/s, the FC-TEH can successfully power a Bluetooth thermometer with a rated power of 20 mW. The optimization strategy will provide important guidance and reference for wind energy harvesting.