Generators to harvest ocean wave energy through electrokinetic principle. (June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Jin; Duan, Jialong; Zhao, Yuanyuan; He, Benlin; Tang, Qunwei
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 48(2018)
• Page Start: 128
• Page End: 133
• Publication Date: 2018-06
• Subjects: Film-type energy generator -- Graphene composite -- Ocean wave energy -- Energy conversion -- Energy harvest; 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.2018.03.032
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: It is a challenge to harvest ocean wave energy by electrokinetic principle. We present here film-type generators made of carbon for wave energy harvest. The electrical signals arise from charge transportation along percolating channels driven by moving electric double-layer boundary at generator/seawater interfaces. Both voltage and current outputs are maximized by optimizing carbon dosage, wave frequency, hoisting angle and seawater temperature, producing a voltage of > 20 mV and a current of > 10 microamp from a 15 cm 2 -sized generator. We illustrate the electricity can be scaled up through series and parallel connections of multiple generators. Upon persistently rushing by waves, these film-type generators are stable over several hours. This approach to ocean wave energy harvest provides new opportunities for unprecedented low-investment, scalable power outputs and high stability. Graphical abstract: fx1 Highlights: Ocean wave energy is harvested by film-type generators. The generators harvest wave energy through electrokinetic principle. A voltage of > 20 mV and a current of > 10 μA are produced in a 15 cm 2 -sized generator. These generators are sustainably stable upon persistent attack by waving ocean. The generators are economic for ocean wave energy harvest.