Rotating-disk-based hybridized electromagnetic-triboelectric nanogenerator for scavenging biomechanical energy as a mobile power source

Abstract Scavenging biomechanical energy from human motions as a mobile power source has potential applications for driving some personal electronics, especially in the remote areas. A critical issue is how to obtain high efficient electric energy from one mechanical motion. Here, we report a rotating-disk-based hybridized nanogenerator that consists of an electromagnetic generator (EMG) and a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) for simultaneously scavenging biomechanical energy from one rotating motion. Operated at a rotating rate of 200 r/min, the EMG and TENG can produce an output powers of about 8.4 mW (in correspondence of power per unit mass/volume: 24 μW/g and 56 W/m3) at a loading resistance of 12 Ω and 8.6 mW (in correspondence of power per unit mass/volume: 119 μW/g and 261 W/m3) at a loading resistance of 0.2 MΩ, respectively. The generated electrical energy of the hybridized nanogenerator is about two times larger than that of individual energy harvesting unit (EMG or TENG) under the same working time. The hybridized nanogenerator can be utilized to effectively harness the biomechanical energy from a human hand induced rotating motions for sustainably driving a commercial globe light with an intensity of illumination up to 1700 lx.