Potential Estimation on Wave Energy Conversion via Triboelectric Nanogenerators: A General Design Method

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) represent a technology with potential to harvest wave energy. Here, we evaluate the energy conversion efficiency of TENGs in stages and report a general design strategy for TENGs in wave energy harvesting, including shell design and internal layouts. For the first time, we calculate the wave energy absorption efficiency of different shells based on hydrodynamic simulations. The cylindrical shell demonstrates an optimal energy capture efficiency of up to 29.5% under ideal conditions. Second, different internal layout strategies are compared to seek maximum energy density. Meanwhile, we establish a simplified output voltage equation of TENGs to describe the real working conditions quantitatively. Finally, to verify the aforementioned work, we design a cylindrical prototype comprising five TENGs. The maximum instantaneous energy conversion efficiency (mechanical-to-electrical conversion) and the power are 57.1% and 47.9 mW, respectively. This work provides a preliminary theoretical exploration and engineering guidance for the collection of wave energy via TENGs.