A Simulation-Based Study of a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Emulator for Efficient Energy Harvesting
Imane ABDOUN, Younes KETTANI
Abstract. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have vast potential for converting ambient mechanical energies; yet progress is hindered by the iterative and expensive process of prototyping. In this study, a novel and programmable emulator is introduced in Tinkercad that models and emulates the primary electromechanical characteristics of a traditional contact-separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator via an Arduino-based capacitor network. The emulator provides efficient voltage waveforms for the TENG and also serves as a useful tool for assessing performance in real operating scenarios. These include measurements of a 2.1 V boost in storage voltage over 30 seconds and, more significantly, a reduction in retained energy due to a virtual leak path. This paper thus provides a low-cost emulator that facilitates rapid prototyping and simulation in TENG energy harvesting system designs.
Keywords
Nanogenerator (TENG), Energy Harvesting, Emulation Platform, Tinkercad Simulation, Arduino, Variable Capacitance, Power Management Circuit, Renewable Energy
Published online 4/25/2026, 8 pages
Copyright © 2026 by the author(s)
Published under license by Materials Research Forum LLC., Millersville PA, USA
Citation: Imane ABDOUN, Younes KETTANI, A Simulation-Based Study of a Triboelectric Nanogenerator Emulator for Efficient Energy Harvesting, Materials Research Proceedings, Vol. 64, pp 554-561, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644904091-69
The article was published as article 69 of the book Energy Futures
Content from this work may be used under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 license. Any further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the title of the work, journal citation and DOI.
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