Theoretical Evaluation of Nonlinear Frequency Up-Conversion Triboelectric Harvester

Energy harvesting has become a popular method of powering devices in the era of micro-sensors and wireless applications. This study explores the theoretical performance of Vibro-impact triboelectric energy harvesting with frequency up-conversion from low frequencies. Two cantilever beams, with low and high natural frequencies, are held together by a repulsive magnetic force. The High-Frequency Beam (HFB) tip magnet includes a triboelectric harvester that generates an electrical signal in response to the base excitations. Energy is transferred from high to low frequency ranges through magnetic coupling, which can be captured at ambient levels. The oscillations can be monostable at high spacing or bistable at low spacing depending on the magnet spacing.