Compact and High Performance Wind actuated venturi triboelectric energy harvester

Abstract : The growing need for alternative sources to power Internet of Things and autonomous devices has led to many energy harvesting solutions from ambient energy sources. Use of batteries requires complementary energy source for extending the lifetime of the device. In recent times, triboelectric nanogenerators have gained significant attention in charging applications through ambient energy harvesting field due to their simplicity, efficiency and adaptability to many device configurations in nature. It is deemed to sustainably address power for autonomous smart applications in various environmental conditions. In this work, a state-of-the-art triboelectric nanogenerator based on wind actuated venturi design system is demonstrated in sync with the smart system evolution for powering various sensor nodal network. Using natural wind, the 3D printed wind actuated venturi triboelectric energy harvester converts ambient mechanical energy into electricity. This simple and compact device produces an optimum average power of 1.5 mW and produces a maximum output power density of 2850 mW.m-2 (peak power output of 4.5 mW), which is much higher than the existing reports that use larger surface area at higher wind velocity. Extensive material testing and future implementation in an array of applications aids for environment friendly energy production and increase the role of triboelectric nanogenerator in autonomous applications.