Triboelectric nanogenerator for harvesting energy from water

Patent · Tue Oct 08 00:00:00 EDT 2019

OSTI ID:1576458

Wang, Zhong Lin; Lin, Zong -Hong; Cheng, Gang

A generator for harvesting energy from flowing water is disclosed. The generator harvests electrostatic energy as well as mechanical kinetic energy from the flowing water. In one aspect, the generator includes a plurality of blades arranged in a radially outward fashion. Each blade includes an electrode and a surface layer for receiving flowing water carrying triboelectric charges. The flowing water affects a flow of electrons between the electrode and ground. In another aspect, the generator includes a first member with a first electrode, and a second member coupled to the first member about an axis. The second member includes a second electrode, and a surface layer between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second member is rotatable with respect to the axis to change triboelectric charges on the electrodes, and to affect a flow of electrons between the electrodes.

• Research Organization: Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-07ER46394
• Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation (Atlanta, GA)
• Patent Number(s): 10,439,517
• Application Number: 15/006,865
• OSTI ID: 1576458
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 2016 Jan 26
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English