Dual Mode Rotary Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Collecting Kinetic Energy from Bicycle Brake

Abstract

Regenerative braking system is a promising technology for electrical vehicles, in which the excess kinetic energy can be effectively collected and utilized. As a new energy technology based on contact electrification, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is suitable for harvesting dissipated kinetic energy in braking systems. Herein, a dual mode rotary TENG (DMR-TENG) is reported, which is installed on the bicycle disc brake for collecting kinetic energy in riding mode and braking mode. First, the electric generation mechanism of DMR-TENG is analyzed and then the characteristics in different structural and kinematic parameters by simulation and experiment are investigated. Furthermore, a linkage mechanism is designed for two modes switching by controlling the distance between two triboelectric layers of the DMR-TENG. The results illustrate that the DMR-TENG can simultaneously illuminate 156 serial LEDs as a warning signal while riding and braking. In addition, it can charge a 300 μF capacitor and act as a power source to drive a speedometer, which can measure the bicycle speed in real time. Herein, a considerable prospect in vehicle kinetic energy collecting is demonstrated and may have potential application in intelligent transportation.