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Recently, a triboelectric generator (TEG) has been invented to convert mechanical energy into electricity by a conjunction of triboelectrification and electrostatic induction. Compared to the traditional electromagnetic generator (EMG) that produces a high output current but low voltage, the TEG has different output characteristics of low output current but high output voltage. In this paper, we present a comparative study regarding the fundamentals of TEGs and EMGs. The power output performances of the EMG and the TEG have a special complementary relationship, with the EMG being a voltage source and the TEG a current source. Utilizing a power transformed and managed (PTM) system, the current output of a TEG can reach as high as ∼3 mA, which can be coupled with the output signal of an EMG to enhance the output power. We also demonstrate a design to integrate a TEG and an EMG into a single device for simultaneously harvesting mechanical energy. In addition, the integrated NGs can independently output a high voltage and a high current to meet special needs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A power-transformed-and-managed triboelectric nanogenerator (PTM-TENG) is invented that is intended to give regulated power output for driving electronics. The design is based on a synchronized mechanical agitation that not only drives the TENG but also switches the connections for the capacitors for lowering the output voltage and increasing the output charges. An energy preservation efficiency of >95% was demonstrated. The PTM-TENG not only detected the external mechanical triggering action but also generated enough power for sending out an infrared signal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]