Wireless Self‐Powered Triboelectric‐Based Sensor for Real‐Time Quantitative Monitoring of Gas‐Liquid Mixed Flow

Why It Matters

By providing battery‑free, wireless monitoring of two‑phase flows, the technology reduces maintenance costs and enhances safety in industries reliant on precise fluid control. Its real‑time data capability supports optimization and predictive analytics across the IIoT ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• Dual-electrode GLEG harvests energy from mixed flow
• Measures liquid flow 0–90 mL/min with 95% accuracy
• Operates wirelessly via mobile app, no external power
• Works at 0.6 MPa air pressure, 30 m/s flow speed
• Eliminates need for phase separation in two‑phase flow

Pulse Analysis

The oil and gas sector, chemical processing, and aerospace systems all rely on precise control of gas‑liquid two‑phase flows. Traditional flow meters often require intrusive probes, separate phase extraction, or external power supplies, which increase maintenance costs and limit real‑time feedback. Recent advances in triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have opened a pathway to harvest mechanical energy directly from fluid motion, turning the flow itself into a power source. By converting kinetic energy into electricity, these self‑sustaining sensors promise continuous monitoring without compromising system integrity.

The newly reported gas‑liquid electricity generator (GLEG) employs a dual‑electrode architecture: an external ring electrode paired with an internal porous electrode. This configuration creates a transistor‑like volume conduction path that maximizes charge transfer as high‑speed mixed streams pass through. Integrated with a power‑regulation circuit, a microcontroller and Bluetooth‑Low‑Energy transmission, the system delivers real‑time liquid‑flow readings to a smartphone app. Laboratory tests at 0.6 MPa air pressure and 30 m/s flow speed demonstrated a measurable range of 0–90 mL/min with 95 % accuracy, all without external batteries.

The ability to power sensors directly from the flow eliminates wiring complexity and extends deployment to remote or hazardous environments where maintenance is costly. Industries such as offshore drilling, petrochemical refining, and cryogenic fuel handling can benefit from instant, battery‑free diagnostics, improving safety margins and optimizing throughput. Moreover, the wireless, app‑based interface aligns with the growing Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) ecosystem, enabling data aggregation and predictive analytics. As triboelectric materials advance, scaling the GLEG concept to larger pipelines or harsher conditions could redefine multiphase flow monitoring standards.