Triboelectric discharge based self-powered wireless sensing system for smart home application

The Internet of Things (IoT) holds significant potential for advancing smart home development. However, the challenge of maintaining a sustained power supply from batteries limits the widespread deployment of IoT systems. To address the critical issue of frequent battery replacement or recharging in IoT nodes, this work proposes a self-powered wireless sensing system (SWSS) that integrates graphene sharp-tip electrodes with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). The non-metallic graphene electrodes, fabricated using laser-induced graphene (LIG) technology, enable the system’s signal strength to match or even surpass that of similar self-powered systems employing metal electrodes. This facilitates efficient conversion and transmission of mechanical energy into electrical energy and wireless signals. The electrode distance, which affects signal quality, is optimized through COMSOL simulations; reducing the tip distance enhances signal generation up to a critical threshold. Experimental results demonstrate reliable signal transmission over distances exceeding 5 meters. A capacitance modulation method is developed to stabilize multi-frequency signal generation by making the modulation capacitance inversely proportional to signal frequency. Furthermore, the system operates stably for over 20,000 cycles, equivalent to a lifespan of more than 5.5 years. By integrating Braille into the sliding modules of four SWSS units, blind individuals can successfully control multiple devices in smart homes using this system, highlighting its potential for smart home and related applications.