Particulate Static Effect-Induced Power Generation Technology Inspired by the Tesla Turbine Produces Electricity Via Compressed Air Flow and Particles

     Researchers from Chung-Ang University in South Korea, working with collaborators from Kumoh National Institute of Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and National Taiwan University, have constructed a device that converts compressed air into electricity using static charge. Their work was published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials. The device was inspired by the Tesla turbine, a design that spins using fluid flow rather than traditional blades. Instead of friction-based contact, the new generator relies on what the team calls the particulate static effect.

“During the research, we were curious about what would happen if high-speed—or high-pressure—wind blows onto the triboelectric nanogenerator. So, we fabricated a Tesla turbine-inspired triboelectric nanogenerator structure that can be operated with high-pressure air and analyzed the data. From these results, we observed the particulate static effect: the particulate matter in air can also generate surface charge on the triboelectric layer,” said Professor Sangmin Lee of Chung-Ang University.

     The new device can harvest static electricity without friction. Shy Cohen of the Brighterside of News writes:

“Compressed air enters the turbine and creates rotational motion through viscous force. Inside, layers with different electrical properties pick up charge from airborne particles. Because there is no sliding contact, the system behaves like a non-contact triboelectric generator.”

     One of the authors explains:

“The viscous force of compressed air induces rotational motion within the device. Tribo-negative and tribo-positive layers inside acquire surface charge from the particulate static effect without the need for frictional sliding, allowing operation similar to non-contact tribo-electric generators. This facilitates electricity generation via electrostatic induction in the rotating electrodes, and the frictionless rotation enables high-frequency peak outputs,” Lee explained.

     This research marks the first time a Tesla turbine structure has been used to generate electricity. Since compressed air is often used in industry in various ways, the research can open the door for electricity recovery from compressed air that would otherwise be wasted when systems are purged. 

     The system can generate negative ions and can also be used for humidity control and air purification in industrial settings. Purifying the air of dust can improve safety by removing potential ignition sources. Without friction in the system, it can also lead to less need for wear-related maintenance compared with contact-based systems.

“The team suggests future work could explore broader industrial integration and other environments where particulate-laden airflow exists. Mining operations, pneumatic transport systems, and environmental control systems all generate similar conditions.”

     Below is a simple movie clip showing compressed air being used to power four 2.5 W commercial lamps.

 

 

References:

 

Scientists generate electricity using Tesla turbine-inspired technology. Shy Cohen. The Brighter Side of News. February 16, 2026. Scientists generate electricity using Tesla turbine-inspired technology

Particulate Static Effect Induced Electricity Generation Inspired by Tesla Turbine. Seh-Hoon Chung, Dongwon Seo, Chanui Lee, Hyungseok Yong, Sunghan Kim, Zong-Hong Lin, Sangmin Lee, and Jihoon Chung. Advanced Energy Materials. First published: 28 December 2025. Particulate Static Effect Induced Electricity Generation Inspired by Tesla Turbine - Chung - Advanced Energy Materials - Wiley Online Library