A prototype DC triboelectric generator for harvesting energy from natural environment

A prototype direct current Triboelectric Generator (DC-TEG) has been demonstrated to generate dc voltages by converting rotational mechanical energy into electrical energy. The generator primarily consists of four rotating wheels (two copper electrodes and two triboelectric wheels) utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape and nylon fabric as the triboelectric materials in its design. Once subjected to mechanical rotation, the interaction between the two triboelectric materials generates equal, but opposite charges and deposits them on the copper electrodes resulting in a dc voltage across an external load resistor. The power performance of the generator, with changes in angular frequency, has been measured. The DC-TEG can generate a dc voltage of about 1.5 mV across an external load of 15.14 kΩ at a rotational speed of 10 rev/sec. The dependences of current and power on the angular frequency have also been measured. Preliminary results suggest that the relationship between the dc voltage and angular frequency of rotation is quadratic, however further measurements at relatively higher angular frequencies are needed before a proper mathematical model may be established. The work here presents a new, cost-effective DC-TEG design for power scavenging from any naturally or artificially occurring rotational mechanical motion facilitated by either wind or flowing water for self-powered systems.