%A Shixu Wang, Xu Wang, Chenguang Lu, Wenna Ge, Quanmao Wei & Yahua Liu
%T Honeycomb Inspired Independent-cell Droplet-based Electricity
Generator Array
%0 Journal Article
%D 2024
%J Journal of Bionic Engineering
%R 10.1007/s42235-024-00559-7
%P 2340-2348
%V 21
%N 5
%U {http://jbe.jlu.edu.cn/CN/abstract/article_1455.shtml}
%8 2024-09-25
%X The transistor-inspired Droplet-based Electricity Generator (DEG) significantly enhances the energy collection efficiency from single-position droplets. However, the design of the DEG arrays combining high output performance and large-scale integration under multi-position droplet impacts remains a challenge. Inspired by the unique structure of the honeycomb, we developed an Independent-Cell Droplet-based Electricity Generator (IC-DEG) array that allows for high-efficiency and stable droplet energy harvesting under multi-position droplet impacts. Each independent cell is a transistor-inspired Tubular Droplet-based Electricity Generator (T-DEG), which ensures the high electrical output of the IC-DEG array. The honeycomb-like arrangement improves the space utilization, accelerates the detachment of droplets, and avoids electrical interference among independent cells, all of which further enhance the IC-DEG array performance. The average peak open-circuit voltage of the IC-DEG array is 265.2 V, and 96.6% of peak voltages exceed 200 V, almost double that of a traditional planar array. Moreover, the average droplet detachment time of the IC-DEG array is 44.8 ms, 41.4% shorter than the traditional planar array. The enhanced performance of the IC-DEG array is further demonstrated by the high speed of charging capacitors and the capability of driving electronic devices. This study provides a promising design concept for large-scale droplet energy harvesting devices.