Fabrication of 3D printed triboelectric nanogenerators for ocean kinetic energy harvesting*

Ocean kinetic energy (OKE), derived from the dynamic interplay of gravitational forces, wind, and solar heating, offers a sustainable and abundant source of power. The average energy concentration in coastal wave fronts is estimated at around 65 megawatts per mile, showcasing the immense potential of oceanic energy resource. The primary challenges in harnessing OKE include the high entropy of oceanic forces, the corrosive marine environment, and the need for economically viable, durable, low-maintenance solutions. Traditional methods, like electromagnetic harvesters (EMH), often suffer from high costs and inefficiency in irregular, low-frequency conditions. In contrast to the EMH's heavy weight and high costs, triboelectric nanogenerators or TENGs offer a lightweight and cost-effective solution for converting water wave energy into electricity especially using <5 Hz random water waves. We proposed the use of a Bi-TENG inspired from the Buoy-based systems. This structure fundamentally comprises an outer egg-shaped enclosure and a fluoropolymer ball inside the egg. As the waves rise and fall, the ball interacts with the inner surface of the egg-shaped structure leading to electricity generation based on the triboelectric effect. In this talk, we will present the performance of four 3D-printed Bi-TENGs characterized using a controllable shaker with speeds ranging from 150 to 350 rpm with different load resistances. We measured both generated voltage and current for different load resistances and total output power characteristics of Bi-TENGs will be presented.