Largely enhancing the output power and charging efficiency of electret generators using position-based auto-switch and passive power management module. (December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cao, Zeyuan; Wang, Shiwen; Bi, Mingzhao; Wu, Zibo; Ye, Xiongying
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 66(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12
• Subjects: Energy harvesting -- Electret -- Rotary generator -- Automatic switch -- Power management; 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.2019.104202
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: Impedance mismatch and low charging efficiency are serious obstacles for electrostatic generators directly powering commercial electronics. Here, a rotary freestanding-electret generator (FEG) with a position-based auto-switch (swFEG) is developed, which expands the range of the adaptable load resistance and largely improves the maximum average output power up to 3.77 times that of the conventional FEG in theory. Based on the swFEG, a passive power management module (PMM), including a diode rectifier, an inductor, and a storage capacitor, is designed. And the charging power of swFEG with PMM can reach 3.62 times the maximum average output power of the FEG in simulation. In experiment, the maximum average output power of the swFEG achieved 1.5 times that of the FEG, and the swFEG with PMM can charge a capacitor with 68% efficiency. The reason why the experimental outputs lower than the theoretical ones was analyzed. Nevertheless, the swFEG dramatically improves the output power and the swFEG with PMM provides a high charging efficiency strategy. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: A rotary freestanding-electret generator using position-based auto-switch improves the average output power over 1.5 times. A passive power management module based on the switch generator achieves high charging efficiency. The negative factors that affect the performances of the generator and the power management module were analyzed.