Giant performance improvement of triboelectric nanogenerator systems achieved by matched inductor design

As a new generation of energy technology, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) show increasing significance as clean power suppliers in helping fulfill the global carbon neutrality target. However, a major limitation is that the energy utilization efficiency of TENGs is extremely low due to mismatched convertors. Herein, we demonstrate a universal design procedure of matched inductors for effective electrostatic energy conversion. In addition, we also propose an optimum constant current resistance range to assess the constant load performance of energy management. By combining with a spark switch, energy management with 6 kV ultrahigh voltage was established, realizing a module energy conversion efficiency of 90.7%, a constant energy efficiency of 81.6%, a super-wide output voltage of 0-5 kV and a large optimum constant current resistance range. Moreover, sixteen parallel thermo-hygrometers can be constantly powered and a perfect stability of 97% was demonstrated. This general matched inductor design can greatly enrich the application ecology of TENGs.

Automated summary

This study presents a universal design procedure for matched inductors for TENGs, improving energy utilization efficiency and proposing an optimum constant current resistance range for evaluating constant load performance. With the integration of a spark switch, an efficient energy management system was established, achieving high energy conversion efficiency and a wide output voltage range.