Interaction between Water Wave and Geometrical Structures of Floating Triboelectric Nanogenerators

Although triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) are highly efficient and adaptable in harvesting ocean wave energy, the dynamics of floating TENGs in underwater wave stimulations have so far rarely been studied. Herein, the interactions between centimeter-scaled floating structures and water waves are experimentally revealed. By integrating inertial measurement units into the shells of various floating TENG structures, the primary acceleration data associated with different parameters are obtained. Based on the data of 63 literature reported floating TENGs, a series of experimental parameters are elaborately probed, including shell shape, shell size, weight, barycenter, wave strength/frequency, and wave-producing methods. Through dynamic calculations, each can offer the kernel data of acceleration and frequency distribution curves, revealing several regularities in water-structure interactions associated with TENGs. These calculations could serve as guidance for the design of the future floating TENGs in blue energy harvesting.

Automated summary

This study reveals the interactions between floating TENGs and water waves, and through experimental data and dynamic calculations, regularities in water-structure interactions associated with TENGs are uncovered, providing guidance for the design of future floating TENGs.