Analyzing Integrated Teng-Photovoltaic Cell-Based Hybrid Renewable Energy System for Increased Efficiency

Abstract

Energy and environmental crises have multifaceted and profound interplay. While energy production fuels the economy and drives technological advancements it leads to a significant impact on the environment. Extraction of energy from fossil fuels accelerates climate crisis and emissions which in turn has a devastating effect on the planet through unprecedented damage due to rising sea levels, storms, and famines. Seeking alternative environmentally friendly ways of energy production has become the need of the hour. Wherein solar energy has been widely accepted as a potential remedy for the present energy and environmental challenges. However, there are challenges in realizing the complete potential of solar power due to their dependence on weather. Adverse weather exerts a negative impact on solar cell efficiency.

Hybridization is an innovative approach that merges various energy harvesting technologies, forming a more robust system by addressing the drawbacks of each source.  This work proposes a hybrid system combining triboelectric nanogenerators, electromagnetic generators, and solar cells. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) harnesses electrical energy from mechanical energy. The kinetic energy from raindrops during rainy days could be harnessed by integrating TENGs with photovoltaic cells, thereby ensuring continuous electricity generation from solar panels. Application of this integrated harvester extends from extracting blue energy sources such as tidal energy and marine energy to roof-mounted solar panels.