Search

A power-transformed-and-managed triboelectric nanogenerator (PTM-TENG) is invented that is intended to give regulated power output for driving electronics. The design is based on a synchronized mechanical agitation that not only drives the TENG but also switches the connections for the capacitors for lowering the output voltage and increasing the output charges. An energy preservation efficiency of >95% was demonstrated. The PTM-TENG not only detected the external mechanical triggering action but also generated enough power for sending out an infrared signal.

A ball-bearing structure based triboelectric nanogenerator (B-TENG) with interdigitative-electrodes was developed that can not only collect energy from rotational kinetic energy, but also serve as a self-powered and multifunctional sensor. The B-TENG relies on the rolling electrification between PTFE balls on Cu interdigitative-electrodes, which delivers an open-circuit voltage of ∼40 V and a short-circuit current of ∼1.2 μA at a rotating speed of 300 rpm for 4 mm PTFE balls. Using the output signals of B-TENG, a nondestructive detection for the damage of PTFE balls was realized without demounting the bearing. Besides, based on the periodic signals produced from B-TENG, the rotation speed of ball-bearing can be obtained according to the time difference between several cycles.