Theoretical study of the rotary electrostatic generators based on a universal equivalent circuit model

Abstract

Rotary electrostatic generators (RESGs) as a kind of rising effective energy harvesters have attracted intensive attention and their output power can be largely improved utilizing a charge pumping strategy. But the theoretical models for conventional RESGs are not suitable for RESG with charge pumping. Besides, there are various types of RESGs, which were not compared comprehensively due to the lack of a universal theoretical system. Here, we propose a universal equivalent circuit model (UECM) based on the variable capacitor network for RESGs. Under the framework of UECM, the governing equations of different types of RESGs can be derived from the universal fundamental formulas established by Kirchhoff’s Current Law. Based on numerical simulation, the output characteristic and the output power without and with the edge effect of five types of RESGs are calculated and compared under different structural parameters. This work further enriches the theoretical system of RESG and provides a guidance for optimal selection and design.