Planetary Gear-Enhanced Electromagnetic and Triboelectric Self-Powered Sensing System for Corn Seeders

In response to issues such as traditional monitoring devices relying on external power sources and poor environmental adaptability during corn sowing, this paper designs a composite self-powered sensing system (EPTG) based on a planetary gear system coupled with a triboelectric nanogenerator (P-TENG) and an electromagnetic generator (EMG). The system utilizes the speed-increasing characteristics of planetary gear systems and flexibly designs gear teeth to adapt to different working conditions, achieving multiple transmission ratio combinations to provide stable power input for composite power generation units and improving mechanical energy capture and conversion efficiency. Under typical operating conditions (with the seeder operating at an average speed of 25 rpm), the EPTG can consistently deliver 105 mW of power. Combined with low-power program design and a 900 mAh energy storage battery, it can reliably power the monitoring unit equipped with integrated infrared sensors and temperature/humidity sensors, enabling the system to operate on self-generated power. Monitoring data is wirelessly transmitted to a cloud platform for visualization and analysis, providing decision support for precise seeding. Experimental results show that EPTG operates stably with good durability. It provides a practical solution for energy self-sufficiency and operational precision in agricultural intelligent equipment, and may have application value in related areas.