Energy Conversion and Transmission of Electric Power Generation through Water Evaporation

Water is a recyclable resource and the largest energy carrier on Earth. New hydropower generation technologies hold great promise for the future. However, there is a lack of evaluation standards for power generation performance. And, the mechanism of hydrovoltaic power generation lacks systematic clarity. In this study, a thermodynamic analysis method about hot and humid air energy conversion based on the principle of hydropower generation is established. To author’s knowledge, it is the first time that the maximum available energy of hydropower generation is analyzed by exergy and parametric calculations. The greater the difference, the higher the available energy. Also, a series of experiments were conducted to explore the power generation device materials, structural composition, and structural parameters, further clarifying the principle of electricity generation. And, the influence of temperature and relative humidity on the power generation performance was also studied. The increase in temperature can effectively increase the output electrical performance of the power generation. The open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of water evaporation power generation with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles are higher than 2.5 V and 150 nA respectively. Through analysis, we propose relevant application strategies to provide theoretical and practical support for the development of green energy.