Trapezoidal Cantilever-Structure Triboelectric Nanogenerator Integrated with a Power Management Module for Low-Frequency Vibration Energy Harvesting

Wide-band vibration is abundant in various industrial equipment, but extracting low frequency energy is challenging. Here, we demonstrated a trapezoidal cantilever-structure triboelectric nanogenerator (C-TENG) that can efficiently harvest energy from vibration in the range of 1-22 Hz. The C-TENG is fabricated with a flexible film electrode, and its mechanical model is analyzed with structural mechanics for the optimal performance of the device. The C-TENG can harvest the vibration source with a frequency as low as 1 Hz, and its output power density reaches 62.2 W/m(3) at a vibration frequency of 5 Hz. Furthermore, a power management module is developed, and its integration with TENG arrays enables the self-powered timing and wireless transmitting systems. This work proposes an effective strategy to harvest ubiquitously distributed but usually neglected vibration sources, which would contribute to the development of self-powered electronic systems and Internet of Things.

Automated summary

A trapezoidal cantilever-structure triboelectric nanogenerator is demonstrated to efficiently harvest energy from vibration in the range of 1-22 Hz. The device can operate with a vibration source as low as 1 Hz, reaching an output power density of 62.2 W/m(3) at 5 Hz. Integration with a power management module enables self-powered timing and wireless transmitting systems.