Harvesting Wide Frequency Micromechanical Vibration Energy and Wind Energy with a Multi‐Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Traffic Monitoring and Warning

Abstract

AbstractWith the rapid development of road networks, various traffic safety issues have become endless. To solve the problems, a multi‐mode triboelectric nanogenerator(M‐TENG) composed of roller‐based TENG, turnplate‐based TENG, and vertical separation‐based TENG is proposed. The M‐TENG can be applied to harvest the wind energy and mechanical vibrational energy generated by moving vehicles on ordinary roads or roads beside bridges to provide power for traffic warning devices and signal sensors. In terms of wind energy harvesting, the M‐TENG shows an excellent wind energy conversion capability. For vibrational energy harvesting, the M‐TENG can respond well to the frequency range (1–40 Hz) of bridge vibration in an actual environment and produce a good output. Thus, due to the above excellent outputs, the M‐TENG can successfully power caution lights and commercial LED strips, achieving a good warning effect. Additionally, the M‐TENG also can send RF signals after charging the energy management unit circuit for 5 min when simulating a natural environment. Based on the aforementioned wide applications, the M‐TENG not only demonstrates its excellent energy harvesting capability but also shows that it has huge potential in the field of transportation.