Researchers from Tsinghua University in China have introduced a revolutionary method to generate electricity from raindrops.
Utilizing a device called a triboelectric nanogenerator, the team devised a system that effectively harnesses raindrop energy and converts it into electricity.
Triboelectric nanogenerators, commonly used to harvest energy from waves, faced limitations when applied to droplets (D-TENGs).
To overcome these challenges, the researchers employed solar panel bridge arrays, connecting multiple solar power generation units in parallel.
This simple yet effective approach significantly increased raindrop harvesting capability, surpassing conventional large-area energy harvesting by nearly five times.
The study, titled ‘Rational TENG arrays as a panel for harvesting large-scale raindrop energy’, emphasizes the importance of finding reasonable topologies to overcome D-TENG limitations.
Rainfall, a valuable component of the natural energy and water cycle, contains abundant renewable energy, and this innovative technology taps into its potential.
This breakthrough at Tsinghua University marks another promising advancement in solar panel technology.
Other recent developments include self-healing solar cells recovering 100% efficiency after space radiation damage and double-sided solar panels enhancing efficiency rates by up to 20% through reflected sunlight utilization.
