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High-efficiency ballistic electrostatic generator using microdroplets

Author

Listed:
  • Yanbo Xie

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Diederik Bos

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Lennart J. de Vreede

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Hans L. de Boer

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Mark-Jan van der Meulen

    (Physics of Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Michel Versluis

    (Physics of Fluids Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Ad J. Sprenkels

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Albert van den Berg

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

  • Jan C. T. Eijkel

    (BIOS-Lab on a Chip Group, MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology, University of Twente)

Abstract

The strong demand for renewable energy promotes research on novel methods and technologies for energy conversion. Microfluidic systems for energy conversion by streaming current are less known to the public, and the relatively low efficiencies previously obtained seemed to limit the further applications of such systems. Here we report a microdroplet-based electrostatic generator operating by an acceleration-deceleration cycle (‘ballistic’ conversion), and show that this principle enables both high efficiency and compact simple design. Water is accelerated by pumping it through a micropore to form a microjet breaking up into fast-moving charged droplets. Droplet kinetic energy is converted to electrical energy when the charged droplets decelerate in the electrical field that forms between membrane and target. We demonstrate conversion efficiencies of up to 48%, a power density of 160 kW m−2 and both high- (20 kV) and low- (500 V) voltage operation. Besides offering striking new insights, the device potentially opens up new perspectives for low-cost and robust renewable energy conversion.

Suggested Citation

  • Yanbo Xie & Diederik Bos & Lennart J. de Vreede & Hans L. de Boer & Mark-Jan van der Meulen & Michel Versluis & Ad J. Sprenkels & Albert van den Berg & Jan C. T. Eijkel, 2014. "High-efficiency ballistic electrostatic generator using microdroplets," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-5, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms4575
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms4575
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    Cited by:

    1. Maxim Glushenkov & Alexander Kronberg & Torben Knoke & Eugeny Y. Kenig, 2018. "Isobaric Expansion Engines: New Opportunities in Energy Conversion for Heat Engines, Pumps and Compressors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-22, January.
    2. Hosam Alharbi & Muhammad Khalid & Mohammad Abido, 2019. "A Novel Design of Static Electrostatic Generator for High Voltage Low Power Applications Based on Electric Field Manipulation by Area Geometric Difference," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-18, February.

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