2024 | Zhenghao Kou, Chao Zhang, Buyun Yu, Hao Chen, Zhenguo Liu, and Weibing Lu
A novel wearable all-fabric hybrid energy harvester simultaneously captures ambient radiofrequency (RF) and triboelectric (TE) energy. The system consists of a flexible rectenna, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and power management circuit (PMC), all integrated on a fabric substrate using a new quasi surface mount technology (FCB-SMT). The rectenna, designed for the 2.45 GHz ISM band, achieves good impedance matching and efficiently converts RF energy into DC. The TENG generates a maximum power density of 0.024 μW cm⁻² by harvesting biomechanical energy. The PMC, incorporating maximum power point tracking (MPPT), charge protection, and undervoltage lockout (UVLO), ensures efficient energy conversion and storage. The FCB-SMT method enables one-step integration of all components, enhancing mechanical robustness and scalability. The hybrid system can power consumer electronics like sensors and watches, offering a sustainable energy solution for wearable devices. The rectenna demonstrates excellent performance, with a gain of 4.4 dBi and efficient RF-to-DC conversion. The TENG efficiently captures human motion energy, with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 96 V and a power density of 0.024 μW cm⁻². The PMC ensures stable energy management, with a charging cut-off voltage of 3.6 V and an average charging power of 38 μW. The FCB-SMT process enables precise, high-efficiency fabrication on fabric substrates, suitable for large-scale production. The hybrid system demonstrates the potential for self-powered wearable electronics, combining RF and TE energy harvesting for reliable, sustainable operation.A novel wearable all-fabric hybrid energy harvester simultaneously captures ambient radiofrequency (RF) and triboelectric (TE) energy. The system consists of a flexible rectenna, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and power management circuit (PMC), all integrated on a fabric substrate using a new quasi surface mount technology (FCB-SMT). The rectenna, designed for the 2.45 GHz ISM band, achieves good impedance matching and efficiently converts RF energy into DC. The TENG generates a maximum power density of 0.024 μW cm⁻² by harvesting biomechanical energy. The PMC, incorporating maximum power point tracking (MPPT), charge protection, and undervoltage lockout (UVLO), ensures efficient energy conversion and storage. The FCB-SMT method enables one-step integration of all components, enhancing mechanical robustness and scalability. The hybrid system can power consumer electronics like sensors and watches, offering a sustainable energy solution for wearable devices. The rectenna demonstrates excellent performance, with a gain of 4.4 dBi and efficient RF-to-DC conversion. The TENG efficiently captures human motion energy, with a maximum open-circuit voltage of 96 V and a power density of 0.024 μW cm⁻². The PMC ensures stable energy management, with a charging cut-off voltage of 3.6 V and an average charging power of 38 μW. The FCB-SMT process enables precise, high-efficiency fabrication on fabric substrates, suitable for large-scale production. The hybrid system demonstrates the potential for self-powered wearable electronics, combining RF and TE energy harvesting for reliable, sustainable operation.