Multi-cylinder-based hybridized electromagnetic-triboelectric nanogenerator harvesting multiple fluid energy for self-powered pipeline leakage monitoring and anticorrosion protection

With the continuous development of human society and urban construction, exploring sustainable power sources of monitor and protection systems for city’s infrastructure is becoming more and more urgent. Scavenging ambient fluid flow energy to efficiently and conveniently power electric devices has potential applications for pipeline systems, especially in remote areas. Here, a multi-cylinder-based hybridized electromagnetic-triboelectric nanogenerator (MCNG) is reported to harvest two types of fluid energy at the same time to double the working frequency of the hybrid NG. The introduction of Nylon film effectively improved the durability and output performance. And the structure to transmit external mechanical through magnetic coupling is easy to packaging and assembly, which provides a stable inner environment. Moreover, the hybrid nanogenerator was demonstrated to effectively harvest energy from wind and water flow to power 1075 LEDs and a temperature sensor. Furthermore, a self-powered wireless pipeline leakage monitoring system and a self-powered cathodic protection system based on the MCNG are developed and illustrated. This work provides a prospective strategy for hybrid nanogenerator to improve working frequency and output stability for practical applications. Multi-cylinder-based hybridized electromagnetic-triboelectric nanogenerator (MCNG) for harvesting various flow energy is presented. This novel structure realized a double working frequency through the relative rotation of energy harvesting units. And the introduction of noncontact magnetic attractive force not only greatly simplified the package and installation process, but also maintained a clean and dry working state in the device. Furthermore, a self-powered wireless pipeline leakage monitoring system and a self-powered cathodic protection system based on the MCNG are developed and illustrated. This study surely has a great significance to solve the practical problems regarding energy supplying and sensing in a pipeline system. [Display omitted] •A multi-cylinder hybridized nanogenerator is proposed to harvest two types independent mechanical energy simultaneously.•The working frequency of the MCNG is doubled since it can be driven by two independent fluid energy at the same time.•A self-powered wireless water leakage monitoring system based on this MCNG is demonstrated successfully.•The MCNG is applied to power a cathodic protection system, which reduces the corrosion rate of metal compon