Modelling of Energy Scavenging from Rolling Tyres Using Contact-Separation Mode Triboelectric Nano Generators for Self Powered Electric Vehicles

Due to its affordability and environmental friendliness, triboelectric nanogenerators, or TENGs, are a promising and alluring energy harvesting technology. Here, time-dependent finite-element numerical simulations were used to study the performance of dielectric-dielectric TENGs operating in the contact-separation mode. The open-circuit voltage, short-circuit current, and ideal resistance were measured in order to assess the TENG's performance. The findings are consistent with the physical models that are now available for the short-circuit current, which show that the current increases (decreases) with the area of the TENG (the thickness of the material). The open circuit voltage differed from published models according to the area and thickness of the material; the causes for this discrepancy are provided. Because high load resistance values affect charge flow in the TENG cycle (transient state) and performance, a deeper understanding of their effects is also offered. Here, the friction energy from the rolling tyres being scavenged is modelled in FEM, and the maximum energy that the Triboelectric Nanogenerator can generate is computed. This efficient on-wheel demonstration of a triboelectric nanogenerator and its theoretical simulations suggest a potential technique to recover the vehicle's wasted energy and use it to enhance the battery life and range of electric vehicles. This work indicates that finite-element simulations are a feasible technique to provide a deeper knowledge and new approaches to optimise contact-separation TENGs.