An Endurable\nTriboelectric Nanogenerator for Wind\nEnergy Harvesting Based on Centrifugal Force Induced Automatic Switching\nbetween Sliding and Rolling Modes

Triboelectric\nnanogenerator (TENG) is a potential way\nof utilizing\nenvironmental wind energy for clean electric power. However, the TENG\nin contact mode produces severe abrasion during continuous operation,\nwhich seriously affects the durability of the friction layer and electrical\nstability, thereby restricting its practical application. Aiming at\nthe above problems, an embedded spring and metal slider structure\nTENG (SM-TENG) is designed. The SM-TENG automatically switches from\nsliding to rolling modes due to the centrifugal force, which greatly\nimproves mechanical durability and electrical stability. The electrical\noutput performance is essentially stable, even after 550,000 runs.\nAdditionally, the speed threshold for mode switching can be decreased\nto 120 rpm by adjusting the size of the stiffness coefficient of the\nspring. The SM-TENG can supply energy to various commercial sensors\nat a rotational speed of 90 rpm, light up 232 light-emitting diodes\n(LEDs), and recharge a 47 uF capacitor to 3 V in 15 s. This paper\ndescribes a strategy to resolve some problems related to poor electrical\nstability and mechanical durability caused by the abrasion of the\nTENG friction layer material at a high speed. In addition, the SM-TENG\nexhibits huge potential for application in the Internet of Things\nin the underdeveloped region.