A Highly Sensitive Triboelectric Vibration Sensor for Machinery Condition Monitoring

Abstract

Vibration sensors are involved extensively in a variety of applications. Especially in the era of the Internet of Things, developing self‐powered vibration sensors has become a very meaningful yet challenging problem. This study investigates a highly sensitive self‐powered vibration sensor based on the triboelectric nanogenerator (VS‐TENG) for machinery condition monitoring. By introducing a stacked structure comprising foamed aluminum, and a fluorinated ethylene propylene film with gold‐plated electrode protected by two indium tin oxid layers, The VS‐TENG can detect the vibrations with frequencies ranging from 1 to 2000 Hz and can detect vibrations of low amplitude (approximately sub‐µm, by calculation). The output performance and characteristics of the TENG under various vibration frequencies, accelerations, and amplitudes are analyzed systematically. The VS‐TENG is successfully used to monitor the operating conditions of mechanical gear systems, reaching a recognition accuracy of 99.78%. Furthermore, it can also be utilized for vibration detection in other areas such as the air compressor, heat gun, hollow tile recognition, etc., which means a solid progress toward the practical applications of TENGs in self‐powered vibration detection.

Recent Advances in Mechanical Vibration Energy Harvesters Based on Triboelectric Nanogenerators

“…Adapted with permission. [61] Copyright 2022, Wiley-VCH. a) Theoretical foundation for TENG based on Maxwell's displacement current.…”

“…Besides, Zhao et al developed a highly sensitive self-powered vibration TENG (VS-TENG) composed of foamed aluminum and FEP film with a gold-plated electrode. [61] Only with its elasticity, FEP film can repeatedly oscillate under the vibration excitation. Specifically, it has been resoundingly engaged in vibration detection for gearbox, compressors, etc., by converting the vibration to an electric signal, which may motivate its application in mechanical VEH.…”

A Stereoscopically Structured Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Bending Sensors and Hierarchical Interactive Systems

“…Wearable human–machine interfaced devices have received great attention as a communication bridge between human users and the digitalized world, displaying great application potential in human–robot collaboration. ,− The triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an emerging electromechanical conversion technology by coupling triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, which has been rapidly developed toward mechanical energy scavenging and low-power-consuming active sensation. − As TENG shows ultrahigh sensitivity and fast response to external mechanical stimuli, it have been extensively applied for human–machine interfaces. ,− At present, many demonstrated TENG sensors for gesture perception are mainly based on qualitative analysis/judgment instead of quantitative analysis. − For instance, an ordinary planar TENG sensor can only produce certain output peaks to qualitatively indicate the action of finger bending without exactly indicating the bending angles. − The unstable output of triboelectric signal is also a very intractable problem that greatly challenges the accuracy, stability, and durability of sensing devices. − Therefore, proper wearable sensors on fingers may have broad application prospects by quantitatively detecting its bending degree and bending speed.…”

Modulus-Modulated All-Organic Core–Shell Nanofiber with Remarkable Piezoelectricity for Energy Harvesting and Condition Monitoring

“…Recently, Zhao et al have designed a wireless triboelectric vibration sensor for equipment monitoring. 14 The highly sensitive triboelectric vibration sensor adopts machine-learning algorithms to monitor machinery operation and detect failure occurrence. And it has been successfully used to monitor the operating conditions of mechanical gear systems, reaching a recognition accuracy of 99.78%.…”

“…These piezoelectric ceramic sensors are also not suitable for a wireless sensor network and wireless signal transmission because they need a charge amplification circuit to operate. Recently, Zhao et al have designed a wireless triboelectric vibration sensor for equipment monitoring . The highly sensitive triboelectric vibration sensor adopts machine-learning algorithms to monitor machinery operation and detect failure occurrence.…”