Development of a green self-powered sensor

Lim, Wayne Yin Hern (2024) Development of a green self-powered sensor. Final Year Project, UTAR.

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Abstract

The rapid expansion of the Internet of Things (IoT) has fueled a growing demand for high-performance sensors that are not only efficient but also sustainable. This demand has accelerated the development of sensors that are compact, lightweight, and environmentally friendly. Traditional sensors, which are typically rigid and reliant on bulky power sources, no longer meet the needs of modern, sustainable technologies. Simultaneously, there has been a significant shift toward renewable energy and energy harvesting technologies. In this context, this project explores the use of Triboelectric Nanogenerators (TENG) as a cutting-edge solution to replace conventional sensors. TENGs leverage the triboelectric effect to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, enabling them to operate as self-powered sensors. The device functions through the contact separation mechanism between two materials— polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and paper—producing a potential difference that serves as the electrical signal. This approach eliminates the need for external power sources, aligning with the principles of sustainability and energy efficiency. Moreover, the project emphasizes the use of green materials, designing the sensor for reuse, easy disassembly, and remanufacturing. Recyclable materials are prioritized, with Arabic gum�graphite composite being utilized as a key component for the electrode due to its rewettable and reusable properties, allowing it to be shaped and reshaped as needed. The fabricated sensor is then applied in a human-machine interface (HMI) context, specifically in controlling the movement of a paddle in a ping�pong game. The sensor enables precise control, allowing the paddle to move left and right, while the game score is displayed in real-time on the Blynk IoT platform. This integration of a self-powered sensor into an IoT application demonstrates the potential of TENG technology in creating sustainable, high�performance systems that meet the evolving needs of IoT-driven innovations.

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