Integrated Triboelectric Generator and Capacitor for Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy generation and storage systems are independent, leading to inefficient space utilization and poor volume efficiency due to separate configurations, resulting in large installation volumes and suboptimal synergy between the two systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated energy generation and storage system is developed, utilizing triboelectric layers with different ratings to generate triboelectric energy, which is then stored and transferred via a rectifier to improve energy generation output and storage efficiency by creating a potential difference between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If energy generation system and energy storage system are configured separately, then each system can be independently designed and maintained, but the installation volume is large and space utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy generation system and energy storage system into a single integrated structure where the triboelectric energy generator and capacitor are disposed in close proximity, sharing common components such as electrodes and insulating layers. This merging reduces the overall installation volume while maintaining independent functionality of both systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system design allows certain components to serve multiple functions. For example, the insulating layer serves both as electrical insulation for the triboelectric generator and as structural support for the capacitor assembly. The electrodes function both in energy generation through triboelectric effect and in energy storage through capacitive action.
2Device complexity
If energy generation system and energy storage system are configured separately, then system simplicity is maintained, but volume efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested configuration where the capacitor is disposed within or adjacent to the triboelectric energy generator structure. The energy storage layer is positioned between the second electrode and fourth electrode, with the third electrode partially disposed on the second triboelectric layer, creating a compact nested arrangement that improves volume efficiency without significantly increasing structural complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate structures are used for energy generator and energy storage, then individual optimization is easier, but synergy between systems is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system enables continuous energy conversion and storage without interruption. The triboelectric energy generator continuously converts mechanical energy to electrical energy through the contact and separation of triboelectric layers, which is immediately stored by the capacitor. This continuous operation maximizes energy utilization efficiency and eliminates energy loss that would occur in separate systems during transfer and idle periods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The integrated system enhances energy generation and storage efficiency through synergy, achieving higher output and storage capacity compared to conventional systems with the same devices and storage capacity, while improving space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
when the first and second triboelectric layers are brought into a contact state and then a noncontact state with each other in a facing and then facing-away manner, triboelectric energy is generated
Implementation Method 2
the generated triboelectric energy is transferred via a rectifier to the third electrode and the fourth electrode and then is stored in the energy storage layer, thereby to generate a potential difference between the third electrode and the fourth electrode
Implementation Method 3
an energy storage layer disposed on the second electrode and the third electrode and facing away the second triboelectric layer
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an energy generating system having an integrated energy generator and energy storage. According to one embodiment, energy generation and storage may be performed using external kinetic energy, and output from a generator device may be improved using a voltage stored in the energy storage. A storage efficiency of the energy storage may be further increased via the improved output from the generator device. Further, the energy generator and energy storage may be integrated with each other to improve a space utilization.