Harvesting wind energy: A hybridized design of pinwheel by coupling triboelectrification and electromagnetic induction effects

Wind power is one of the most attractive frontrunners of the technological breakthroughs that might lead to more efficient energy production. However, the implementation of wind energy is seriously delayed due to the lack of technological advancements that can solve the costs and regional deployment issues. Here, a hybridized design of pinwheel with coupled triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG) that can harvest wind energy even in a light breeze is reported. For example, at 1.7 m/s wind speed, the I-sc and V-oc of the TENG part can reach 1.8 mu A and 24 V, while the electric signals of the EMG are 3.8 mA and 0.95 V. Specially, the pinwheel with sole TENG can produce an output of 1.3 mu A and 20 V at 1.3 m/s. At 6 m/s wind speed, the TENG part provides a maximum output power density of 0.12 mW/g and the EMG part gives a peak output power density of 0.26 mW/g. Furthermore, the pinwheel can not only charge capacitors but also power mobile phones, hygrometers and some other low-power portable electronic devices, which makes perfect sense in situations even with a very low annual average wind speed.