Chinese scientists have discovered a way to make devices that collect energy from waves at sea more efficient. This technology requires only minor modifications to existing versions of the technology.
The device is a so-called solid-liquid electric nanogenerator (TENG). This is a type of tube partially filled with water, and also contains an electrode that converts mechanical energy into current as the tube moves up and down in the water.
Older versions of TENGs are not efficient enough for widespread use. However, Chinese scientists say their version could generate more power. This can be done simply by moving the electrode to the end of the TENG, rather than placing it in the middle as with older versions.
So far on a small scale
The scientists built two TENGs: one with the electrode in the middle and one with the electrode at the end. After testing both devices, the version with the electrode at the end turned out to be average 2.4 times the power can be born. Scientists were posted there study Reported in the trade journal ACS Energy Letters.
Although this technology has only been tested on a very limited scale so far, researchers are confident that TENGs are useful for generating electricity in the real world. However, they did not provide predictions on when the technology could be commercially available.
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