Mechanics of Sliding Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Sustainable Energy Harvesting

Kumar, C. , Laughtland, K., Bairagi, S., Gadegaard, N. and Mulvihill, D. (2023) Mechanics of Sliding Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Sustainable Energy Harvesting. 17th International Conference on Advances in Experimental Mechanics, Glasgow University Union, University of Glasgow, UK, 30 August 2023 - 01 September 2023.

Abstract

The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is a new and rapidly advancing energy generation technology that has attracted considerable research interest over the past decade [1,2]. When operated in free-standing mode, TENGs are effective at generating energy in a sustainable manner from low-frequency mechanical motions. TENG offers several advantages over its counterpart generators, most notably their low cost, light weight, easy processing and resistance to corrosion [3,4]. However, conventional TENG devices require precise alignment between functional layers, which is difficult to achieve in a dynamic sliding situation and requires complex arrays of roller bearings, adding frictional losses to the system. In this work, a novel sliding form-factor triboelectric nanogenerator (S-TENG) is proposed which employs compliant parts as a compact, low-cost mechanism to improve alignment between tribo-layers, leading to improved energy harvesting efficiency. The newly designed S-TENG consists of a compliant stator cylinder containing two sets of electrodes, and a mover cylinder with a ring of dielectric material constrained on its outer surface. Relative axial motion between the stator and mover generates a potential difference between the two electrodes via contact electrification and electrostatic induction. The original design utilises a compliant gripping mechanism which ensures conformal contact as TENG output has been found to be very sensitive to real contact area. The S-TENG shows promising electrical output which varies directly with sliding speed and radial force, indicating great potential for use in a variety of energy harvesting applications, including self-powered sensors, and wireless communication devices. Future work will focus on optimizing the mechanical design parameters of the S-TENG and investigating its performance (power output, stability, and durability) under different operating conditions to further enhance its energy harvesting capabilities.

• Item Type: Conference or Workshop Item
• Status: Published
• Refereed: No
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Mulvihill, Dr Daniel and Bairagi, Dr Satyaranjan and Kumar, Dr Charchit and Gadegaard, Professor Nikolaj
• Authors: Kumar, C., Laughtland, K., Bairagi, S., Gadegaard, N., and Mulvihill, D.
• Subjects: T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy

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