Design of highly efficient resonant triboelectric nanogenerator and actuation of dielectric elastomer upon walking impact

Abstract

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is actively studied as a device for harvesting energy from daily life. However, conventional TNEG generates one electrical output per one movement. To address this problem, a non-contact resonant TENG that vibrates when an impact is applied and generates vibrating electrical output is proposed. Cantilever structure and charge pump mechanism are used to create non-contact vibration. The device locates in the soles of shoes to harvest energy from impact when walking. The device is designed to maximize the output charge and strain of the dielectric elastomer actuator (DEA). The maximum open-circuit voltage is 1.5 kV and the short-circuit current is 16 μA. When vibrated at an initial velocity of 0.5 m/s, the energy conversion efficiency was 50.8%. Proposed TENG creates vibrations in the DEA and turns on the LED for about 10 seconds from only one step.