New theory offers boost for TENG development

Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) convert ambient movements including human motion, machine vibrations and wind or wave energy into electrical signals. They can be used to harvest energy to help power electronic devices or in sensor technology to monitor a person’s various health conditions.

The new sliding mode distance-dependent electric field (DDEF) theory now fully explains how TENG devices work and is expected to help overcome some of the more difficult challenges experienced by academics in this field. The work is detailed in Advanced Energy Materials.

In a statement, PhD student Rameesh Bulathsinghala from Loughborough’s Wolfson School for Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering, said: “There are several things that the model does, which weren’t possible with existing knowledge – including allowing us to model and predict the electrical outputs of a sliding TENG, with the highest accuracy to date. This gives engineers and designers a lot more freedom to create better performing and customised devices such as wearable electronics for health monitoring.