Smart conveyor roller system for self-powered product size identification in electrically off-grid condition via hybridization of triboelectric-electromagnetic generators. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ra, Yoonsang; Kim, Jaehyoung; Kim, Hyeonsu; Cho, Sumin; Lee, Donghan; Jang, Sunmin; Kam, Dongik; La, Moonwoo; Park, Sung Jea; Choi, Dongwhi
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 100(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: Smart conveyor system -- Self-powered sensor -- Energy harvesting -- Off-grid sensor system; Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; Nanostructured materials -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Technological innovations -- Periodicals; Nanoscience; Nanostructured materials; Nanotechnology; Power resources -- Technological innovations; Periodicals; 621.042
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2022.107447
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: With the advent of Industry 4.0, the automation and digitalization of product transportation in factories have attracted much attention. In this paper, a fully stand-alone smart conveyor system based on the integration of triboelectric sensor (TES) and electromagnetic generator (EMG) for self-powered real-time monitoring and identification, called an IoTE conveyor system (Integration of TES and EMG assisted conveyor system), is proposed. In this system, the roller acts as the TES by simply modifying its surface. The roller with TES can generate the triboelectric signal, which contains relevant information about the transported product such as material, size, and movement speed. The generated triboelectric signal is collected, analyzed, and transmitted to the user device by the MCU, which includes a Bluetooth module. The EMG and mechanical power transmission elements are designed to harvest the rotational kinetic energy of the roller and supply the electric power required to operate the MCU. The product information is wirelessly transmitted to the smartphone of users by the Bluetooth module and is visually displayed in real-time. The potential of the proposed IoTE conveyor system in sensing, analyzing, and transmitting product information without the need for additional electric power supply is expected to serve as a cornerstone for the manufacturing industry to realize the development of net-zero smart factories. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: An electrically fully stand-alone smart conveyor roller system is developed. Hybridization of self-powered sensor and energy harvester for transmitting product information without external power supply. A strategy to give the conveyor roller the functionality as a self-powered sensor is suggested. The EMG including the mechanical power transmission and motion conversion parts is rationally designed.