Simulation model of a non-contact triboelectric nanogenerator based on electrostatic induction

Based on the coupling effects of contact electrification and electrostatic induction, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) can convert mechanical energy into electric power, which is at the cutting edge of alternative energy technology. Although a considerable number of TENGs with different configurations have been designed, some of them however, which only depend on the electrostatic induction effect have not received enough attention. Here, a non-contact TENG model consists of copper rings and charged dielectric sphere is presented, which is aimed at exploring the working process of TENGs caused by electrostatic induction. Two classical models, including vertical and horizontal double copper rings models are also proposed. Relevant advanced and accurate models of TENGs have been established through the finite element method. We anticipate that the constructed model and theoretical analysis are helpful for the design of non-contact model TENGs with complicated geometric construction, and expand their applications in various fields.