A 3D printed triboelectric nanogenerator for bridge vibration energy harvesting and sensing

Adopting renewable energy technologies is vital for a sustainable future. Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer an innovative way to harvest ambient vibrational energy from sources like human motion, machinery, and structures. This enables practical applications such as self-powered sensors for structural health monitoring. One of the key challenges in practical TENG deployment is the fabrication of triboelectric layers with optimized surface and structural features that can enhance charge generation under such conditions. To address this, we used fused deposition modelling (FDM)-based 3D printing for the fabrication of TENG components due to its advantages in tailoring surface characteristics through parameter control. We hypothesized that optimizing specific 3D printing parameters, namely the infill pattern and layer height, would enhance the energy output of TENGs. To explore this, we designed and developed a 3D printed TENG-based prototype capable of harvesting energy from bridge vibrations and tested commonly available materials. The optimization process involved modifying critical parameters such as infill pattern and triboelectric layer height or thickness to achieve maximum performance. Results indicated that a combination of thermoplastic polyurethane/polyethylene terephthalate material, a tri-hexagonal infill pattern, and a layer height of 0.4 mm yielded the highest voltage output. This combination generated 11 V under a tapping frequency of approximately 3 Hz, demonstrating its suitability for bridge vibration energy harvesting by powering light-emitting diodes and charging a capacitor. This study demonstrates the potential of optimized 3D printing parameters in enhancing TENG performance, paving the way for efficient and scalable energy harvesting systems for real-world applications.