Efficient pedestrian-level wind energy harvesting by a hybridized technology

Abstract

Pedestrian-level wind (PLW, 0-2m above ground level) as an affordable and clean energy, is characterized by high transience, low-Reynolds-number airflow and turbulence. PLW energy capture is severely limited in conventional systems (e.g., electromagnetic generators) due to their mechanical inertia and electromagnetic resistance-induced inefficiencies at ultralow speeds (<2 m/s). Here, we introduce a pedestrian-level wind energy hybrid harvester (PLW-HH) synergistically coupling triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) and electromagnetic generator (EMG), which leverages the complementary advantages of both technologies. At 1 m/s wind speed-a common condition in built environments the integrated system achieves a wind energy capture efficiency of 12%, with the TENG component contributing 86.7% of the total power output. This dominance of TENG at ultralow speeds arises from its unique sensitivity to minute mechanical vibrations and ultralow activation thresholds, surpassing EMG by over 650% in power under identical experimental conditions. By leveraging ubiquitous PLW from urban buildings, tunnels, and areas near low obstacles, our approach demonstrates a scalable pathway to power sensors, IoT devices, and low-energy systems without grid dependency. This work bridges the gap between underutilized micro-scale wind resources and growing in-situ self-sustaining energy demands, focusing on the feasibilities for ensuring universal access to modern, sustainable, and affordable energy for all.

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
19 Jun 2025
Accepted
17 Jul 2025
First published
18 Jul 2025

Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript

Efficient pedestrian-level wind energy harvesting by a hybridized technology

G. Yu , P. Ji, X. Gao, T. Zhou, S. Wang , W. Gao, H. Li, Z. L. Wang and B. Chen, Energy Environ. Sci., 2025, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D5EE03460D

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