Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Self-Powered Distributed Urban IoT Sensing Networks: Devices, Applications, and System-Level Perspectives

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) infrastructure in smart cities is reshaping urban energy demand. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), which harvest ambient mechanical energy from wind, rain, vibrations, and human motion, are being investigated as sources for intermittently powered distributed sensing. This review examines TENG technologies in relation to energy-system planning, demand management, and potential roles in distributed energy markets. We summarize reported device outputs and sensing demonstrations, with an emphasis on hybrid integration with storage, power management, and complementary harvesters. Wearable and edge-based TENG applications are discussed primarily as ways to reduce battery dependence or maintenance frequency under specified excitation and duty-cycle conditions. Digital twins, load forecasting, and demand-management links are treated as potential system-level applications; quantitative city-scale validation remains limited.