Dual Triboelectric Gear-Bearing Assembly with Condition Monitoring Capability: Targeted at Planetary Gear Transmission Systems

Abstract

The planetary gearbox (PGB) plays a crucial role in the field of green energy and military. Real-time condition monitoring of the PGB holds immense promise for enhancing its service life and quality. This study introduces an intelligent dual triboelectric gear-bearing assembly (D-TGB), comprised of two sets of concentric floating freestanding layer mode triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) designed for the planetary gear (G-TENG) and its bearing cage (C-TENG). The primary objectives of the D-TGB include self-speed sensing of the PGB transmission system and monitoring abnormal states of the planetary bearing. The assembly ensures the structural integrity and original functionality of the PGB. The study investigates the impact of rotational speed and structural parameters on optimizing the output of the D-TGB. Results from variable self-sensing speed tests reveal that the featured frequency accurately quantifies the speed of G-TENG, while amplitude effectively qualifies it. C-TENG proves capable of perceiving the overall skidding and transient cage stability of the planetary gear bearing under variable speeds and torque loads. Furthermore, the superiority of the D-TGB over traditional sensors in precise speed sensing under non-stationary conditions is verified.

Keywords: planetary gearbox, rolling bearing, Condition Monitoring, non-stationary condition, self-sensing