Magnetic energy harvesting of transmission lines by swinging triboelectric nanogenerator

With the development of smart grids, the demand for monitoring the condition of transmission is becoming high. Harvesting magnetic energy of transmission lines is a feasible approach to provide a sustainable power source for condition monitoring sensors. However, energy harvesting methods for transmission lines are constrained by size and service life. We report an antifatigue triboelectric nanogenerator based on a swinging structure (S-TENG) for magnetic energy harvesting. The S-TENG is composed of several magnets attached to a flexible substrate , which is laminated with a sponge layer, a copper film, and a polytetrafluoroethylene film. The laminated layer acts both as a tribo-layer and as a beam. The distinct structure without a stiff termination also avoids vibration fatigue and ensures the efficient contact of triboelectric layers with each other. The S-TENG presents a maximum peak power of 0.78 mW under 30 MΩ loading resistance. This work reveals the potential for harvesting alternating magnetic energy of transmission lines as an energy source for low-power electronic appliances. • The nanogenerator was operated using magnetic energy of transmission lines. • Contact-separation mode was applied to the nanogenerator based on swinging structure. • The nanogenerator was convenient to fabricate and could be positioned on the pylon without tedious steps. • The tribo-layer was driven by magnetic force. • The S-TENG has readily charged capacitors to drive low-power electronic appliances such as sensors and a self-powered alarm system.