Performance-enhanced triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator based on dual-mode motion for water flow energy harvesting

Abstract

In light of the challenges posed by water pollution and ecological issues, developing long-term and real-time monitoring technologies is crucial for water environmental protection. Adopting triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid technology to harvest in-situ energy, thereby improving the reliability and service time of the sensor, holds great potential in remote areas. Here, we present a performance-enhanced triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator based on dual-mode motion (DM-TEHG), capable of converting low-speed water flow energy into electrical energy to power various distributed sensors. By skillfully integrating different energy conversion mechanisms into the hydrofoil-based harvester, the two power generation units can simultaneously harvest dual-mode motion energy within their dominant frequency ranges. As a result, the TENG and EMG achieve a power density of 5.60 W m⁻³ and 215.46 W m⁻³ respectively, surpassing previously reported hybrid works. Most importantly, DM-TEHG can power embankment lights, wireless water-level warning systems, and wireless water-quality monitoring sensors by harvesting water flow energy in an in-situ water environment. This work introduces a novel method for harvesting water flow energy, toward digital development of water environment monitoring.