Design of an efficient blue energy harvesting system based on triboelectric nanogenerators with frequency upconversion and networking strategies

As a renewable and pollution-free energy source, the development and application of ocean energy hold significant strategic importance. Fully harnessing wave energy for electricity generation can substantially alleviate human energy challenges. Despite the promising future of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) as an excellent energy conversion technology, efforts must continue to effectively harness wave power. In this work, we developed a modular and expandable TENG using 3D printing technology, achieving efficient wave energy harvesting through frequency up-conversion techniques. This device includes a simple and reliable TENG utilizing a two-stage planetary gear mechanism (PG-TENG) to achieve a 16-fold frequency increase. The influence of structural parameters on the output performance of the PG-TENG is systematically studied, achieving short-circuit current (I_SC) of 34.5 μA, and transferred charge (Q_SC) of 258 nC. The PG-TENG unit can easily powers a 5 W commercial bulb. Its modular design allows easy assembly into arrays of various configurations to suit different application scenarios. By combining four PG-TENG units into a 2 × 2 array, the output and stability have been significantly improved, thereby enabling the power management circuit to supply power to the hygrograph and water quality sensors. This work provides an effective approach to harvesting blue energy and enables in-situ self-powered detection in water, offering new technical routes for the power supply modes of ocean monitoring equipment.