Power generation technology using winter snow?

In winter, solar power can become difficult. This is due to the shortening of the sun centering on areas far from the equator. In addition, even a slight snowfall can reduce the solar panel efficiency.

However, it is said that it has developed a triboelectric nanogenerator that uses snow to generate electricity even in winter. A project in conjunction with UCLA, University of Toronto, McMaster University, and Connecticut University created a technology called Snow-TENG that uses the properties of snow to create energy.

Triboelectricity is, in simple terms, a type of static electricity phenomenon. On dry days in winter, static electricity can also be generated by pressing the elevator button. As the snow descends to the ground, its charging level increases and it is ready to fire electrons. As a result of testing with all materials, the research team confirmed that silicon is the most efficient way to develop when it comes into contact with snowflakes.

This silicon is available inexpensively and can also be printed on a 3D printer. In addition to silicon, it has excellent flexibility, elasticity, and durability by using non-metallic electrodes. Since it is a built-in power supply, it can be installed on a solar panel without charging, so it can generate electricity even when it is covered with snow.

In addition to power generation, other uses can be expected. For example, a small weather sensor can be used to measure snowfall and wind direction, and a sensor that can be worn in winter can be used to record player movements.

This research paper is published in the Nano Energy Journal. Even if the number of blizzards decreases due to global warming, the intensity is expected to increase further, and expectations for new power generation methods are expected to increase. Related information can be found here .