Highly durable and efficient power management friction energy harvester

Green renewable energy has gained significant interest as a research focus, leading to extensive study of friction energy harvesters as a potential power source for low-power wireless electronic devices. Despite extensive study in this domain, the majority of energy harvesters include intricate production procedures. Thus, this work presents a friction energy harvester that utilizes a horizontal sliding mechanism. The form and composition of the device are uncomplicated, enabling it to effectively harness friction energy in many settings. Initially, a finite element simulation model using Comsol is created to uncover the distribution and changes in potential and polymer surface charge density of friction materials during relative sliding. This model serves as a theoretical foundation for designing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) that can effectively capture environmental vibration energy. The study focuses on examining the power supply capacity of a friction energy harvester for low-power electronic devices under various operating situations. The experimental findings indicate that the highest achievable peak power output is 6.25 mW when the external load is around 40 MΩ. Furthermore, the low-power energy management circuit, which is designed to ensure compatibility, may be utilized as a direct power source. The application scenario of the morphing wingspan of the UAV demonstrates that the suggested friction energy harvester, which relies on high durability and effective energy management, can provide power to the self-driven warning signal lamp. This is beneficial for enhancing the endurance of the unmanned flying system. [Display omitted] •Easily made lab-free TENG using simple methods.•TENG is made with affordable, easily accessible materials.•Custom low-power PM designed for TENG.•Application scenarios of TENG in UAV morphing wings.