A Capsule-Shaped Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self-Powered Health Monitoring of Traffic Facilities
Jiahui Xu, Xuelian Wei, Ruonan Li, Sasa Kong, Zhiyi Wu, Zhong Lin Wang
Abstract
Structure health monitoring is very essential for the safe operation of traffic facilities, like bridges and railways. However, establishing real-time monitoring and early event detection with a simple sensor device that does not require an external power supply remains a crucial challenge. Here, a self-powered sensor based on a capsule-shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (CS-TENG) with a cavity structure is constructed to monitor the structural health of the traffic. With an open-circuit voltage of 30.3 V and a high sensitivity to distance (precise to 1 mm) and pressure (0.86 V/kPa), the CS-TENG manifests superb performance and long service life. A self-powered bridge health monitoring system and a turnout monitoring system are proposed based on the CS-TENG, and the practicability of CS-TENG in the application of the above monitoring system is also investigated on the spot. Benefiting from the characteristic of the CS-TENG, negligible changes in external forces can be detected, and the state of traffic facilities may be recognized in real-time. Then, the real-time results can be displayed to alert personnel to issues with bridges and other road infrastructure, revealing its potential for smart traffic facilities.