Using non-contact eccentric nanogenerator to collect energy continuously under periodic vibration

The service life of the device is the key issue for the triboelectric nanogenerator(TENG) during its operation. An eccentric triboelectric nanosensor (Ec-TENS) model has been proposed in our previous study to collect the energy under low-frequency vibration. To improve the service life of the device, a new type of eccentric non-contact nanogenerator (Enc-TENG) is proposed in this study, which consists of a fixed metal electrode, rotor independent layer with eccentric structure, and a base. Compared with the TENGs in the contacted mode, the new device can effectively reduce the wear of the friction layer and improve the durability of devices. By changing the distance between the rotor and stator in the non-contact mode, the relationship between the voltage output characteristics and the distance of the Enc-TENG is found in this paper, which is also proved by the actual experiments. Due to its eccentric structure, it can be potentially used under continuous vibration conditions or rotations. • The new design can reduce the friction layer material loss, improving the durability and stability of device. • The Enc-TENG can be employed as a self-powered sensor for reliable acceleration/velocity measurement. • The device is especially suitable to be used in some very low-power applications and unattended occasions.