Publication: Synergistic hybrid energy harvesting system: triboelectric nanogenerator and transparent polymer-based photovoltaic cell
Date
2023-08
Authors
Ong, Lun Ching
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
The increasing demand for renewable energy sources has driven significant advancements in energy harvesting (EH). The photovoltaic (PV) cell is the most widely recognized and established form of solar cell technology. Typically, a transparent layer is covered on the surface of the PV cell to safeguard it against environmental hazards and corrosion. Therefore, this study proposes a synergistic hybrid EH system that integrates a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and a transparent polymer-based PV cell that simultaneously or individually harvests solar and raindrop electrostatic energy. In this research project, TENG’s performance was investigated, and numerous vital operating parameters were explored and fine-tuned, including contact electrification layer type, contact electrification layer thickness, electrode type, water volume rate, and tilting angle where the critical operating parameters have been optimized. This study
achieved optimal TENG performance using a 0.050 mm thick fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) film, a U-shaped copper electrode, a 20 mL/min water volume rate, and a tilting angle of 30°. In addition, an examination was conducted on the efficiency of a photovoltaic energy harvester (PVEH), and various crucial factors affecting its performance were investigated and adjusted. These factors included the type of contact electrification layer and the prevailing weather conditions, which were carefully optimized. The PVEH reached its peak performance by utilizing an FEP film precisely at 2.00 PM. Under the sun irradiation of 685.25 W/m2 at 2.00 PM, the PVEH provides an open-circuit voltage of 13.62 V. Conversely, when exposed to a rainfall rate of 20 mL/min, the specially engineered TENG, which harnesses energy from raindrops, generates an open-circuit voltage of 38.9029 pV and a short-circuit current of 87.4390 fA. Furthermore, this study also demonstrated the capability of storing hybrid energies generated in a lithium battery. The hybridized energy harvester exhibited an output voltage of 0.0015 V for the TENG and 0.241 V for the PVEH. This research presents a feasible approach to significantly enhance EH capabilities by harnessing the power of
raindrops and solar energy. Moreover, this hybrid cell strives to contribute meaningfully towards developing sustainable energy solutions, leading to a more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly future.