Condensed droplet-based electricity generation via water-phase change

Abstract

Water electrification mechanism is gradually being identified, and utilized to harvest various types of water-based energy. However, a lack of understanding of the complementary characteristics of water in real environment, such as the complex dynamics of droplet flow, phase change, high temperature, and humid conditions, continues to limit the realization of water-based energy harvesting. Here, we demonstrated the mechanism of condensed droplet-based electricity generation via water-phase change for the first time. The various characteristic electrical outputs were observed in a series of condensation processes (nucleation, growth, shedding, sweeping, separation, drop off). Furthermore, the correlation among the electrical outputs, heat flux, and condensation rate were identified. The distinct changes in the electrical outputs depending on changes in the heat flux changes can be utilized to detect sudden failures of heat exchanges and coolers. © 2020 Elsevier Ltd