Research on Wave Energy Harvesting Technology of Annular Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Multi-Electrode Structure

Triboelectric nanogenerators can convert wave energy into the electrical energy required by ocean sensors, but the problem of the low electrical output performance of triboelectric nanogenerators has always been a concern. In this paper, an annular triboelectric nanogenerator (A-TENG) composed of an annular outer shell and an inner ball is proposed to improve the electrical output performance of the triboelectric nanogenerator by optimizing the structural parameters and wave parameters. Using the control variables, the effects of structural parameters (structure size, number of electrodes, electrode spacing, inner ball diameter, and number of inner balls) and wave parameters (wave frequency and wave amplitude) on the electrical output performance of the A-TENG were studied by combining COMSOL simulation and experimental research. The experimental results show that increasing the diameter and number of inner spheres can improve the open-circuit voltage between electrodes; the multi-electrode structure can improve the electron transfer rate and efficiently collect wave energy in all directions; and within the range of fixed sea conditions, there is an optimal annular size, which has the advantages of good electrical output performance and small size. The electrical output performance of the A-TENG can be greatly improved by optimizing the structural parameters. There are optimal wave parameters, such that the A-TENG can maximize the ocean wave energy conversion. This low-cost, long-life, efficient, and reliable energy harvesting system is ideal for powering ocean sensors.