A Biomimetic Gill-Cover and Adaptive Magnetic-Switching Coupled Triboelectric–Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator for Self-Powered Environmental Monitoring in Low-Wind-Speed Mining Areas

Abstract

Wind energy, as a widely available, abundant, and widely distributed renewable energy source, poses a formidable challenge in reliably capturing its low-speed energy over extended periods. Addressing the specific demand for low startup wind speed in areas with scarce wind resources, such as mining regions, this study proposes a bionic gill-cover and adaptive magnetic-switching-coupled triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator (BM-TENG). This device utilizes a biomimetic gill structure coupled with adaptive magnetic switching to harvest broadband wind energy, thereby enhancing energy collection performance at low wind speeds. The BM-TENG achieves low start-up wind speeds and high rotational speeds through its biomimetic gill-like cover and non-contact operation mode. Compared to conventional scoops of the same size, the BM-TENG operates at a start-up wind speed as low as 1.5 m/s—a 28.57% reduction—while increasing rotational speed by 44.58% at 4 m/s wind speeds. Through a synergistic mechanism of magnetic force and centrifugal force, BM-TENG operates in non-contact mode at low wind speeds and in soft-contact mode at high wind speeds. At 4 m/s wind speed, BM-TENG delivers an output power of 53.4 mW. It demonstrates excellent stability, maintaining 82% output after 150 h of operation. Demonstrations confirm that BM-TENG can reliably power downstream electrical devices.