Triboelectric pad journal bearing for self-powered condition monitoring. (1st December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Mang; Li, Yahui; Choi, Junho
• Is Part Of: Nano energy. Volume 103(2022)Part B
• Publication Date: 2022-12-01
• Subjects: Triboelectric nanogenerator -- Bearing -- Condition monitoring -- Free-standing mode; 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.2022.107851
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2211-2855

Abstract

Abstract: With the widespread application of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology, smart fault detection and condition monitoring are urgently required in mechanical systems. The emergence of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG) provides a novel strategy to achieve self-powered sensing, which can serve as an ideal candidate for the condition monitoring of bearings. In this study, a triboelectric pad journal bearing (T-PJB) was designed and fabricated to directly monitor the bearing condition. Through simulation, the geometrical structure of the T-PJB for high output was optimized, and the electrical performance was examined under various rotating conditions. The speed of the bearing shaft could be accurately measured using time- and frequency-domain methods. During the operation, faults caused by unbalanced forces were effectively identified based on the characteristics of the electrical output signals. Furthermore, the proposed T-PJB can be applied to monitor lubrication states because of its sensitive response to different lubrication conditions. Condition monitoring using the proposed T-PJB greatly contributes to reduced maintenance costs and long-term stable operation of various sliding bearings. Furthermore, the demonstrated smart T-PJB has promising feasibility in industrial applications for rotating machinery, establishing the foundation for smart plants. Graphical Abstract: ga1 Highlights: A smart T-PJB is proposed for machinery condition monitoring. Freestanding-mode TENG is constructed to characterize electrical signals. The self-powered triboelectric sensor shows great prospect in industrial application.