Output characteristics of series-parallel triboelectric nanogenerators

To tackle the problem of the low output power of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), the output characteristics of multiple TENGs in series and parallel were explored. An experimental device for multilayer TENGs was developed. Through the method of experimental modeling, the equivalent circuits and mathematical models in series and parallel are established respectively, and the working principle is expounded. The experiment found that when multiple TENGs are connected in parallel, the voltage, current, and output power can be regularly increased. When the TENGs are connected in series, the output power is only related to the performance of the first and last two triboelectric generators and has nothing to do with the number of series-connected TENGs. This finding has a certain reference value for the design of high-efficiency triboelectric nanogenerators.