A high performance triboelectric generator for harvesting low frequency ambient vibration energy

We present a novel triboelectric generator for vibration energy harvesting based on the mass production manufacture of flexible printed circuit (FPC). 10 pairs of friction surfaces were integrated on the zigzag-shaped FPC structure, which served as an elastic spring in the mass-spring system. This design makes the triboelectric generator simple and easy to be stimulated. Using industrial FPC manufacture makes the fabrication efficient, low-cost and with high yield. Load circuits can be integrated with the generator without additional assembly. The generator can be operated within a large frequency range from 1 Hz to 200 Hz. Low resonant frequency of 16 Hz and wide bandwidth of 37 Hz were achieved. The maximum effective output power of 77.3 μW was obtained with an optimal load of 10 MΩ at 16 Hz with an oscillation amplitude of 2 mm.