A Novel Triboelectric-Electromagnetic Hybrid Generator with a Multi-Layered Structure for Wind Energy Harvesting and Wind Vector Monitoring.

High-efficiency wind energy collection and precise wind vector monitoring are crucial for sustainable energy applications, smart agriculture, and environmental management. A novel multi-layered triboelectric-electromagnetic hybrid generator (TEHG) for broadband wind energy collection and wind vector monitoring was built. The TEHG comprises three functional layers corresponding to three modules: a soft-contact rotary triboelectric nanogenerator (S-TEHG), an electromagnetic generator (EMG), and eight flow-induced vibration triboelectric nanogenerators (F-TENGs), which are arranged in a circular array to enable low-wind-speed energy harvesting and multi-directional wind vector monitoring. The TEHG achieves broadband energy harvesting and demonstrates exceptional stability, maintaining a consistent electrical output after 3 h of continuous operation. The EMG charges a 1 mF capacitor to 1.5 V 738 times faster than conventional methods by a boost converter. The TEHG operates for 17.5 s to power a thermohygrometer for 103 s, achieving an average output power of 1.87 W with a power density of 11.2 W/m³, demonstrating an exceptional power supply capability. The F-TENGs can accurately determine the wind direction, with a wind speed detection error below 4.5%. This innovative structure leverages the strengths of both EMG and TENG technologies, offering a durable, multifunctional solution for sustainable energy and intelligent environmental sensing.