Leaf-shaped generators create electricity from the wind and rain

Leaf-shaped generators create electricity from the wind and rain
by Staff Writers
Washington DC (SPX) Jan 18, 2024

Researchers have made a significant stride in the realm of renewable energy by developing artificial "power plants" - tiny, leaf-shaped generators that can create electricity from the natural forces of wind and rain. This novel approach, detailed in a recent publication in the journal ACS Sustainable Chemistry and Engineering, offers a fresh take on multi-source energy harvesting.

In the quest for sustainable energy solutions, the team led by Ravinder Dahiya sought to overcome the limitations of single-source energy harvesters, such as solar panels and wind turbines, which are only effective when their specific energy source is available. Dahiya and colleagues aimed to create a device that could harness multiple natural energy sources simultaneously, thereby maximizing potential energy output.

To achieve this, the researchers developed two distinct types of energy collectors. The first, a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), captures kinetic energy from the wind. It consists of a layer of nylon nanofibers sandwiched between layers of polytetrafluoroethylene (commonly known as Teflon) and copper electrodes. When the layers interact, static charges are generated and converted into electrical energy. The second type, a droplet-based energy generator (DEG), is designed to collect energy from falling raindrops. This generator uses Teflon, waterproofed and paired with a conductive fabric to act as electrodes. When raindrops strike the electrodes, they generate a small current and high voltage.

In laboratory tests, under optimal conditions, the TENG produced up to 252 volts of power, while the DEG generated 113 volts, albeit for brief periods. The researchers then mounted the DEG atop the TENG and incorporated these leaf-shaped generators into an artificial plant. When exposed to conditions simulating natural wind and rain, these "power plants" successfully powered 10 LED lights in short flickers.

This proof-of-concept device opens up new possibilities for the development of larger systems or networks of these power plants, offering a novel way to produce clean energy from natural sources. The integration of TENGs and DEGs into a single system represents a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy, especially in the context of multi-source energy harvesting.

The research team's innovative approach in mimicking the form and function of natural leaves in these generators not only highlights the potential for practical renewable energy solutions but also underscores the ongoing efforts to diversify the sources of clean energy.

Research Report:Multisource Energy Harvester on Textile and Plants for Clean Energy Generation from Wind and Rainwater Droplets