Rain energy harvesting by droplet to surface triboelectric interaction.

I. Scientific excellence

The triboelectric effect has been exploited to harvest environmental energy in triboelectric nanogenerators. One limitation to these is that they require a perpetually dry environment to function properly. However, the recent demonstration of droplet-based triboelectrification [1], a direct droplet-to-surface interaction, paves the way towards simple, efficient water based energy harvester. The proposed PhD programme will push the current boundaries in material science, electronics and microfluidics to explore the droplet-based triboelectric effect for rain energy harvesting applications.

II. Clear aim and hypothesis

This project, using droplet-generated triboelectricity, aims to demonstrate scalable, low-cost, efficient rain energy harvester that can be employed for a variety of purposes from miniature harvesting device for autonomous systems to roof-tops and windows large scale panel harvester for home energy supply. It is hypothesised that water droplets directly originated or stored from rain, running on a (super)-hydrophobic surface can be used as very efficiency promotors of triboelectric ‘clean’ energy to be collected using an interconnected array of electrodes.

III. Methodology and innovations

A simple set of electrodes deposited on the surface theoretically suffice to collect the triboelectric energy. In this project, several designs of electrodes and their interconnectivity will be evaluated in parallel with electronics design for energy management and storage. Low-cost fabrication material and method will be considered to produce the harvester surface. The harvester efficiency will be evaluated against electrode material and design as well the surface material. The droplets could be formed directly on the surface of the harvester or stored in small volume for release in self- propelled Laplace pressure driven droplet actuation devices.

The successful candidate will join the Microengineering and Microfluidics Research Group, a multidisciplinary group with a track record of prototype design and manufacture. The group has extensive experience in digital microfluidics and droplet-surface interaction. General innovation in energy harvesting technologies will be sought by pushing forward the current knowledge of surface science, nanofabrication, electronic energy management and microfluidics. It is believed that the highly publishable outcomes that this topical project can generate could also result in short term product commercialisation.

IV. Strategic relevance

This project seeks to investigate novel, clean, renewal energy source that our connected lifestyle crucially needs. In addition, demonstrating simple, rapid and low-cost fabrication will minimise the impact resulting from potential damage or destruction resulting from violent adverse weather while reducing the production environmental cost.

V. Interdisciplinarity and fit with relevant DTA programme

The PhD programme, located at the intersection of material and surface science, microfluidics and electronics, will focus on pushing the current technology boundaries to propose novel renewable energy harvesting solutions within the remit of the ‘Energy’ DTA programme.

Applications

Applicants must apply using the online form on the University Alliance website at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/how-to-apply/. Full details of the programme, eligibility details and a list of available research projects can be seen at https://unialliance.ac.uk/dta/cofund/

The final deadline for application is Monday 8 October 2018. There will be another opportunity to apply for DTA3 projects in the spring of 2019. The list of available projects is likely to change for the second intake.