The potential application of the triboelectric nanogenerator in the new type futuristic power grid intelligent sensing

To meet the requirements of power grid operation control, constructing an extensive sensor network in the power grid is a future development trend. However, due to the high cost, the difficulty of continuous power supply for a long time, the large amount of energy consumption, and the environmental problems caused by abandoned batteries, the traditional power supply mode based on batteries for sensors is inconsistent with China's goal of carbon peak and carbon neutrality. It cannot meet the needs of the future grid. Therefore, it is significant to solve the energy supply problem of numerous sensors to promote the construction of new power grid and improve the utilization rate of renewable energy. As an emerging energy harvesting device, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) are suitable for developing self-powered sensors and powering low-power sensors due to their mall size, high efficiency, low cost, and environmental friendliness. At the same time, due to the abundant, stable, and widely distributed magnetic field around the equipment in the grid, it can provide continuous excitation for the TENG. Therefore, applying magnetic field energy-harvesting TENG in the future power grid has a broad development prospect. This paper analyzes the development trend and the crucial problems facing the power grid in the future. We review the research and application of TENG based on the magnetic field in recent years and explain the mechanism of TENG in detail. Finally, the application prospect of TENG in the future power grid has been prospected. This paper can provide a reference for applying magnetic field energy harvesting triboelectric nanogenerators in future power grids. © 2023 The Authors. EcoMat published by The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.