Switched-capacitor-convertors based on fractal design for output power management of triboelectric nanogenerator.

Owing to the advantages of integration and being magnet-free and light-weight, the switched-capacitor-convertor plays an increasing role compared to traditional transformer in some specific power supply systems. However, the high output impedance and switching loss largely reduces its power efficiency, due to imperfect topology and transistors. Herein, we propose a fractal-design based switched-capacitor-convertors with characteristics including high conversion efficiency, minimum output impedance, and electrostatic voltage applicability. As a double-function output power management system for triboelectric nanogenerators, it delivers over 67 times charge boosting and 954 W m−2 power density in pulse mode, and achieves over 94% total energy transfer efficiency in constant mode. The establishment of the fractal-design switched-capacitor-convertors provides significant guidance for the development of power management toward multi-functional output for numerous applications. The successful demonstration in triboelectric nanogenerators also declares its great potential in electric vehicles, DC micro-grids etc. Power management systems are urgently needed for maximally utilizing the energy generated from triboelectric energy devices. Here, the authors report a fractal-designed switched-capacitor-convertor as a high efficiency power management strategy for triboelectric nanogenerators.