Ultrahigh Electricity Generation from Low-Frequency Mechanical Energy by Efficient Energy Management

An efficient energy-management strategy is critical for the energy utilization of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), of which the switch and convertor are two key parts. However, common switches only withstand limited voltage (similar to 10(2) V), while the convertors for electrostatic energy are diversely designed without standard principles. Here, we report a simple, tunable auto-spark switch to achieve energy accumulation and fast release and develop a standard design procedure of matched transformer for electrostatic energy conversion. We establish an ultrahigh voltage (over 7.5 kV) energy-management system for TENG. Ultrahigh output charge of 660 mu C per cycle, pulsed power density of 11.13 kW m(-2), and constant power density of 291 mW m(-2) at 3 Hz are all achieved. With this energy-management unit, TENGs can continuously power a wireless sensors network at 1 Hz. This energy-management approach enables TENGs to present a breakthrough in practical applications.

Automated summary

This study presents a simple and efficient energy management strategy for TENGs, enabling ultrahigh voltage and power density outputs. By utilizing an auto-spark switch and standard design of matched transformer, this approach offers the possibility of continuous power supply for TENG in practical applications.