Wireless Online Rotation\nMonitoring System for UAV Motors Based on a Soft-Contact Triboelectric\nNanogenerator

Real-time monitoring of UAV motor speed is crucial for\nenhancing control performance and ensuring flight safety. However,\nthis task faces challenges such as difficult sensor installation and\nhigh costs. This study introduces a wireless rotational speed sensing\nsystem based on a UAV-rotary triboelectric nanogenerator (UR-TENG).\nBy employing a carefully designed structure with soft contact and\na freestanding-triboelectric-layer mode, UR-TENG exhibits characteristics\nlike low friction, affordability, ease of production, and self-powering\ncapability. This eliminates the need for an external power source\nand addresses the complexity of installation in the limited space\nof UAVs. Experimental findings demonstrate that UR-TENG possesses\nhigh sensitivity and stability, maintaining the structural integrity\nof the UAV. The goodness of fit is notably high at 0.99959, with a\nmaximum error rate of only 0.014 within a range of 6270 rpm. Moreover,\nUR-TENG integrates with a microcontroller unit (MCU) and external\ncircuitry to form a monitoring system. This system transmits electrical\nsignals to a PC via a Wi-Fi module, facilitating real-time rotational\nspeed sensing and anomaly detection. Finally, a practical application\ndemonstration on a UAV validates the adaptability of UR-TENG to complex\noperational environments. This study presents a promising approach\nfor online rotation monitoring of UAV motors, with potential for commercialization,\nand introduces new avenues for TENG application in UAV technology.