Self-powered MC-TENG device aims to foil forest fires

Developed at Michigan State University (MSU), MC-TENG – multi-layered cylindrical triboelectric nanogenerator - generates electrical power by harvesting energy from the sporadic movement of the tree branches from which it hangs. MC-TENG is detailed in Advanced Functional Materials.

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"As far as we know, this is the first demonstration of such a novel MC-TENG as a forest fire detection system," said lead author Changyong Cao. "The self-powered sensing system could continuously monitor the fire and environmental conditions without requiring maintenance after deployment," he said.

Traditional forest fire detection methods include satellite monitoring, ground patrols, watch towers, among others, which have high labour and financial costs in return for low efficiency. Current remote sensor technologies are becoming more common, but primarily rely on battery technology for power.

"Although solar cells have been widely used for portable electronics or self-powered systems, it is challenging to install these in a forest because of the shading or covering of lush foliage," said Yaokun Pang, co-author and postdoc associate at Cao's lab.