Finally, a way to harness ‘blue energy’
An improved wave-energy device boosts the ocean’s renewable power potential.
If you’ve ever been a surfer, you know the exhilarating rush that comes from riding those waves. But beyond the thrill of catching the perfect swell lies a hidden treasure; the immense power contained within each crest and trough.
What if we could capture the relentless ebb and flow of the ocean to generate electricity? Well, thanks to groundbreaking research, we’re now one step closer to making that a reality.
In a recent study published in ACS Energy Letters, scientists unveiled a significant improvement in a device designed to harvest wave energy, often referred to as “blue energy.”
This innovative device, known as a liquid–solid triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), has been optimized to dramatically increase its energy output by simply repositioning its electrode.
Let’s break down the science behind this exciting discovery.
The TENG operates by converting mechanical energy into electricity as water sloshes back and forth inside a tube. Initially, one of the limitations hindering the widespread adoption of…
