Affiliation:
1. Mechanical Engineering College
2. National Center for Nanoscience and Technology
3. Mechanical Engineering College, Shijiazhuang
Abstract
A novel self-powered device based on the aligned carbon nanotube arrays (CNTA) in multi-physics fields has been put forward in this paper. Synthetically utilizing the photic, fluidic and thermic properties of carbon nanotubes, the multi-physical nanogenerators (MPNG) can generate electric currents when the solar irradiation and air flow synchronously effect on the material surface. Various MPNGs are connected in series to construct a unique truncated conus and cylinder shell structure in order to enhance the output voltage for self-powered electronic devices. The multi-physical power mechanism is formed by converting the solar and air flow energy to the thermoelectric effect. By the finite element analysis, the MPNG model including a pair of p-type and n-type CNTA elements is established, and its temperature and potential distribution are simulated. This self-powered device in multi-physics fields can be applied to a more complicated environment and has a fine prospect.
Publisher
Trans Tech Publications, Ltd.
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