Field-view model for triboelectric nanogenerator motion superposition analysis

Abstract The precise value of the triboelectric nanogenerators’ (TENGs) energy output is hard to predict under coupled three-dimensional spatial motions in practical situations. In addition, motion monitoring based on TENGs in engineering applications requires in-depth support from basic theories. Herein, we introduce the applied field-view motion superposition output model (MSOM) of TENGs to address these challenges. Firstly, a comprehensive model for the field portrait and output prediction of the TENG with spatial motions based on basic physical and electrical theory is established through superposed motion decoupling. Secondly, a triboelectric signal spectrum model is provided to reveal the mechanisms of the TENG’s self-powered spatial motion frequency monitoring. The model validation experiments indicate a high degree of uniformity in practical measurements of the proposed MSOM model predictions. Likewise, the spectrum analysis of the TENG’s signals is verified to be an effective method for frequency monitoring and confirms a reliable observing error, which is less than 1.8%. When the TENG is equipped with three-dimensional motion traits, the MSOM model dramatically expands its physical theories for output prediction, conversion efficiency calculation, and motion monitoring.