Analytical modeling for optimum energy harvesting using Triboelectric Nanogenerators under steady state operation

Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENGs) are mechanical energy harvesting devices that use the relative motion of electrostatic charges generated between two surfaces to convert mechanical energy into electrical power with high power densities. The differential equation governing the steady-state motion of these devices has a complex solution. In this work, we express the existing solutions to TENG operation in terms of three characteristic time constants and simplify to get analytical energy output expressions under three different time constant regimes. We also propose systematic design steps for a TENG with the aim of maximising its energy output. All the derived results are validated against numerical simulations.