A new Mylar-based triboelectric energy harvester with an innovative design for mechanical energy harvesting applications

Abstract In this paper, an innovative origami structure is deployed to create a novel, flexible, lightweight, and low-cost triboelectric nanogenerator (Miura-Ori-TENG). For the first time, Mylar film is used as a supporting and flexible spring-like structure to develop the first Mylar-based origami TENG, eliminating the need for any external auxiliary system to ensure continuous operation of the TENG. Subsequently, a self-powered power management circuit with a novel self-controlled switching mechanism is designed and implemented for direct use of Miura-Ori-TENG electrical output and maximizing the harvested energy. The performance of the Miura-Ori-TENG and power management circuit are evaluated under different practical conditions. The open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current reached 308.6 V and 55.5 µA, respectively, with a peak power of 5.1 mW under a linear reciprocating motion with an operating frequency of 4 Hz. Moreover, open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and instant output power of 1050 V, 131 µA, and 40 mW are obtained using footsteps during human walking. Furthermore, in a 1000 µF capacitor charging experiment using the proposed power management circuit, the stored energy increased up to 117.5 times compared to a direct charging experiment. In order to prove that the Miura-Ori-TENG, in combination with the proposed power management circuit, could be used as a power source in many applications, its ability to charge the capacitors and rechargeable batteries and drive the electronics is shown with proof-of-concept demonstrations. The results of this study demonstrated potential applications of the Miura-Ori-TENG in converting rotational, vibrational, and impact kinetic energies into electrical energy, as well as the outstanding performance of the proposed power management circuit in managing the harvested energy.