A fidget spinner-inspired hybrid breeze wind energy harvester for self-sustainable wireless environmental monitoring system

Generating significant energy from inconsistent breeze winds poses a major challenge for wind-driven energy harvesters. To address this, a fidget spinner-inspired breeze wind energy harvester is newly proposed and developed to maximize energy capture from breeze winds. Leveraging the mechanics of a fidget spinner, the rotor can spin for approximately 25 s with single actuation, enabling continuous energy harvesting from inconsistent breeze winds. Similarly, the device incorporates custom-designed nuts and bolts to support magnetic load, enabling shaft to focus solely on rotating the rotor without the need to bear the magnet’s load. This optimization promotes effective energy harvesting from breezy winds and enhances energy generation. With six stacked magnets further boosting power output, a power density of 75.82 mW/m³ is achieved at wind speed of 3 m/s—the highest reported for such conditions. Additionally, the device includes a self-powered wind speed sensor (sensitivity 1.91 $\mu A/{\mathrm{ms}}^{-1}$), which generates a triboelectric signal using rabbit fur in combination with Styrene–Ethylene–Butylene–Styrene (SEBS). This sensor features interdigitated, flower-patterned, Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) electrodes that are fabricated via a facile laser scribing technique and can easily transferred onto SEBS substrate without complex fabrication techniques or adhesives. As a proof of concept, the device is deployed in breezy environments like train stations and public parks for real-time environmental monitoring, demonstrating its potential to harvest substantial energy from breeze winds and feasibility for real-world applications.