Research Progress on the Application of Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Wind Energy Collection

Abstract

The escalating global energy demand necessitates the exploration of renewable energy sources, with wind energy emerging as a crucial and widely available resource. With wind energy exhibiting a vast potential of approximately 1010 kw/a per year, about ten times that of global hydroelectric power generation, its efficient conversion and utilization hold the promise of mitigating the pressing energy crisis and replacing the dominant reliance on fossil fuels. In recent years, Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) have emerged as novel and efficient means of capturing wind energy. This paper provides a comprehensive summary of the fundamental principles governing four basic working modes of TENGs, elucidating the structures and operational mechanisms of various models employed in wind energy harvesting. Furthermore, it highlights the significance of two major TENG configurations, namely, the vertical touch-separation pattern structure and the independent layer pattern for wind energy collection, emphasizing their respective advantages. Furthermore, the study briefly discusses the current strengths of nano-friction power generation in wind energy harvesting while acknowledging the existing challenges pertaining to device design, durability, operation, and maintenance. The review concludes by presenting potential research directions and prospects for triboelectric nanogenerators generation in the realm of wind energy, offering valuable insights for researchers and scholars in the field.