Triboelectric smart machine elements and self-powered encoder

A new concept for recovering a part of wasted energy caused by friction in typical mechanical components is introduced. Triboelectric charge generation on movable surfaces is the principle used for conducting electrons through external loads. The concept is evaluated by development and study of three versatile elements, including a bearing, gears and belt pulley systems. Moreover, the first self-sufficient encoder, which is entirely powered by the energy captured by triboelectricity, is presented. Indeed, the capability of using introduced ad hoc modifications on the structure of machine elements is illustrated for measuring and displaying the rotational speed of a belt pulley system. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.