Unlocking multidirectional and broadband wind energy harvesting with triboelectric nanogenerator and vortex-induced vibration of sphere

A unique oscillating wind-driven triboelectric nanogenerator (OWTENG) based on the sphere’s vortex-induced vibration (VIV) behavior is proposed in this study, which can harvest wind energy across a multitude of horizontal directions. With the Euler-Lagrange method, the coupled governing equations of the OWTENG are established and subsequently validated by experimental tests. The vibrational properties and output performance of the OWTENG for varying wind speeds are analyzed, demonstrating its effectiveness in capturing wind energy across a broad range of wind speeds (from 2.20 m/s to 8.84 m/s), and the OWTENG achieves its peak output power of 106.3 µW at a wind speed of 5.72 m/s. Furthermore, the OWTENG maintains a steady output power across various wind directions within the speed range of 2.20 m/s to 7.63 m/s. Nevertheless, when the wind speed exceeds 7.63 m/s, the vibrational characteristics of the sphere shift based on the wind direction, leading to fluctuations in the OWTENG’s output power. This research presents an innovative approach for designing vibrational triboelectric nanogenerators, offering valuable insights into harvesting wind energy from diverse directions and speeds.