An Energy Harvester Coupled with a Triboelectric Mechanism and Electrostatic Mechanism for Biomechanical Energy Harvesting.

Lei Zhai,Lingxiao Gao,Xiaojing Mu,Kejie Dai,Shuai Wu,Ziying Wang

doi:10.3390/nano12060933

Lei Zhai, Lingxiao Gao + Show 4 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12060933

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Abstract

Energy-harvesting devices based on a single energy conversion mechanism generally have a low output and low conversion efficiency. To solve this problem, an energy harvester coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism for biomechanical energy harvesting is presented. The output performances of the device coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism were systematically studied through principle analysis, simulation, and experimental demonstration. Experiments showed that the output performance of the device was greatly improved by coupling the electrostatic induction mechanisms, and a sustainable and enhanced peak power of approximately 289 μW was produced when the external impedance was 100 MΩ, which gave over a 46-fold enhancement to the conventional single triboelectric conversion mechanism. Moreover, it showed higher resolution for motion states compared with the conventional triboelectric nanogenerator, and can precisely and constantly monitor and distinguish various motion states, including stepping, walking, running, and jumping. Furthermore, it can charge a capacitor of 10 μF to 3 V within 2 min and light up 16 LEDs. On this basis, a self-powered access control system, based on gait recognition, was successfully demonstrated. This work proposes a novel and cost-effective method for biomechanical energy harvesting, which provides a more convenient choice for human motion status monitoring and can be widely used in personnel identification systems.

Highlights

To realize the intellectualization and miniaturization of wearable electronics, the requirements of their power devices have been raised, such as long life, small volume, high energy density, and easy integration [1–5]
We propose an energy harvester coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism for biomechanical energy harvesting
Due to its strong electronic attraction, a PTFE ball can capture a large amount of triboelectric charges when rubbed against other materials

Summary

Introduction

To realize the intellectualization and miniaturization of wearable electronics, the requirements of their power devices have been raised, such as long life, small volume, high energy density, and easy integration [1–5]. Biomechanical energy is generated in our daily life all the time, including arm swinging, walking, running, and heart beating [7–10]. If this energy is converted into electricity, it can meet the power consumption for part of wearable electronics [11–17]. If the device is integrated onto the human leg, it is difficult to harvest the energy generated by arm movements. In order to improve the efficiency of biomechanical energy harvesting, a variety of energy harvesting strategies should be combined to achieve efficiently cooperative work To solve this problem, we propose an energy harvester coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism for biomechanical energy harvesting. The device, when coupled with a triboelectric mechanism and electrostatic mechanism, showed higher resolution in the sensing of motion states, which provided a more convenient choice for human motion status monitoring and can be widely used in personnel identification systems

Working Principle

Electrical Characterization

Self-powered

Conclusions