Multi-unit hydroelectric generator based on contact electrification and its service behavior. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liang, Qijie; Yan, Xiaoqin; Liao, Xinqin; Cao, Shiyao; Zheng, Xin; Si, Haonan; Lu, Shengnan; Zhang, Yue
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 16(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 329
• Page End: 338
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Hydroelectric generator -- Multi-unit -- Enhanced efficiency -- Water energy harvesting -- Resource recycling -- Service behavior; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2015.07.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Water is one of the most abundant energy sources in our environment and hydroelectric power has been one of the main forms of macro-energy supply. However, for harvesting green micro-energy from water presented in our residential zone, industry or agricultural irrigation, traditional electromagnetic hydraulic turbine generator has limited applications due to its large size, complexity and high cost. Here we report a novel design of the multi-unit hydroelectric generator (HEG) for harvesting water-related energy based on contact electrification. The instantaneous output power density of the multi-unit HEG array is 0.07 W/m 2, which is 9 times of that from the individual HEG with the same dimension. Moreover, the rational design of the multi-unit HEG can increase the safety for its future service. By integrating with the multi-unit HEG, the household faucet can be a power source to supply clean energy continuously. Given the compelling features, such as, highly efficient, easily implemented, lightweight and extremely cost-effective, the multi-unit HEG renders a promising approach toward clean energy harvesting from ambient environment. Graphical abstract: A multi-unit hydroelectric generator (HEG) for harvesting water-related energy based on contact electrification. The rational structure design can effectively enhance the efficiency of the multi-unit HEG comparing with individual HEG and provide the advantage for overcoming the short-circuit problem for future application. The household faucet can be a power source to supply clean energy by integrating with the multi-unit HEG. Highlight: A multi-unit hydroelectric generator (HEG) for harvesting water-related energy was proposed. Largely enhanced efficiency comparing with individual HEG. Beneficial for future service by rational design. Integrating with household faucet to supply clean energy continuously.