Mechanical energy conversion systems for triboelectric nanogenerators: Kinematic and vibrational designs. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kim, Wook; Bhatia, Divij; Jeong, Shinkyu; Choi, Dukhyun
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 56(2019)
• Page Start: 307
• Page End: 321
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) -- Kinematics -- Motion control -- Vibration -- Resonant system; 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.2018.11.056
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a promising next-generation renewable energy technology. So far, TENGs have been successfully used as highly sensitive and self-powered internet of things (IoT) sensors and portable/wearable power sources owing to their various merits, such as their light weight, freedom of material selection, low cost, and high-power conversion. The ability to take advantage of diverse mechanical input sources is another significant advantage of TENGs. However, the irregular magnitudes and frequencies of input sources are critical limitations that currently prevent utilizing TENGs in industrial or practical applications. In this review, we focus on mechanical energy conversion systems (MECS) for the regular or controlled operation of TENGs; to do this, we employ kinematics or vibrational theory. Once we control the mechanical operation of TENGs, we can predict the power production from these devices. Furthermore, mechanical frequency matching can greatly reduce power loss from electrical circuits. Motion control from, rotational to linear movement, can effectively provide high-frequency operation of contact-separation mode TENGs, enabling us to obtain sustainable and high-performance TENGs. Finally, resonant system designs for TENGs can produce the maximum output power. Thus, we discuss how to account for damping effects or non-linear impacts when designing a resonant system with TENGs. Finally, this review offers an effective way to avoid wasting irregular mechanical input sources for TENGs, making the practical commercialization of TENGs more feasible. Graphical abstract: We report a comprehensive review of researches on recent progress of kinematic and vibrational designs for triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). TENGs are one of promising energy harvesters using mechanical energies such as wind, wave, vibration, and human motion in our nature. However, the mechanical energies are normally irregular due to the variable environments. Thus, the output electrical power from TENGs shows low-quality with irregular, unstable, unpredictable, and high-loss characteristics. Mechanical energy conversion systems can be utilized to overcome those limitations related to input/output energies. We briefly introduce theories of kinematics and vibration then examine the mechanically designed TENGs. This review thus offers the effective way to control irregular mechanical input sources for the commercialization of TENGs. Highlights: Progress in mechanical energy conversion systems (MECS) for TENGs is reviewed. The need for optimal MECS design for TENGs is addressed. Fundamental kinematics and vibrational theory for MECS design is introduced. Various MECS designs for TENGs are categorized for suitable future referencing.