Stacked-Disk Triboelectric Nanogenerator Based on Dual-Pendulum Independent Response and Dual-Potential Energy Management Mechanism for Wave Energy Harvesting

As an emerging energy-harvesting technology, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) exhibit tremendous potential in capturing low-frequency and irregular mechanical energy, making them particularly suitable for powering distributed systems in marine environments. This work proposes a stacked-disk triboelectric nanogenerator (SD-TENG) based on a dual-pendulum independent response and dual-potential energy management mechanism for efficient wave energy harvesting. This design achieves independent responses to multidirectional wave excitations; meanwhile, through potential energy storage and controlled release, it converts low-frequency intermittent mechanical energy into high-frequency rotational motion, significantly enhancing energy conversion efficiency. Experimental results demonstrate that the SD-TENG exhibits favorable output performance within the frequency range of 0.8–4 Hz. Under 1.5 Hz excitation, its peak power reaches 56.7 mW, with a short-circuit current of 19 μA and a transferred charge of 232 nC. In laboratory wave-tank tests, the device achieves a peak power of 16.5 mW under wave conditions with a wave height of 9 cm and a frequency of 1.2 Hz, and successfully drives wireless temperature–humidity and water immersion sensors to operate, constructing a complete self-powered marine monitoring node. This study provides a feasible structural design and strategic support for improving the energy harvesting capability and durability of TENGs in complex marine environments.