Cathodic protection system and equipment based on 3D printing friction nano-generator array self-power supply

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of cathodic protection system and its equipment based on 3D printing friction nano power generation array self-power supply in the field of metal corrosion prevention in marine environment.Cathodic protection system includes at least one friction nano power generation module, at least one resonator;Resonator one end is fixed on equipment, and the other end is fixed at least one friction nano power generation module and can be driven by marine environment energy or equipment vibration to sway.Friction nano power generation module includes multiple friction nano power generation units arranged in array based on 3D printing, so the volume of friction nano power generation module one cubic meter can protect metal part at least three square meters area, to increase energy collection density, improve the output power in the unit volume of friction nano power generation module, the efficient promotion of the protection area of protection object is realized, solve the technical problem that metal part exposed to air or under water surface in equipment in high salinity, high humidity marine environment is difficult to large-area corrosion prevention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a cathodic protection system in the field of metal corrosion protection technology in marine environments, and in particular to a self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array and a device installed with the cathodic protection system in a marine environment. Background Technology

[0002] Metallic materials are highly susceptible to electrochemical corrosion when exposed to high salinity and humidity conditions in various natural and industrial environments for extended periods. This corrosion is not limited to marine engineering but is also widespread in coastal building structures, port facilities, ships, bridges, oil and gas pipelines, chemical equipment, and underground metal components in saline-alkali areas. Electrochemical corrosion leads to decreased strength, structural failure, and even major safety accidents, severely impacting the lifespan and economic benefits of infrastructure. For example, in coastal areas, reinforced concrete structures corrode rapidly due to chloride ion penetration; in saline-alkali areas, underground pipelines suffer severe corrosion due to high soil salinity; and in industrial environments, metal equipment in chemical plants ages rapidly due to high humidity and acidic salt spray. Therefore, developing effective corrosion prevention technologies to extend the service life of metallic materials has become a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed in many fields.

[0003] Traditional cathodic protection methods mainly include sacrificial anode and impressed current methods, but both have significant limitations. The sacrificial anode method uses a more reactive metal (such as zinc or magnesium) as the anode, causing it to corrode preferentially to protect the target metal. However, this method requires periodic replacement of the sacrificial anode, resulting in high maintenance costs, especially in remote or harsh environments where replacement is difficult. The impressed current method uses an external power source to apply a protective current to inhibit metal corrosion, but it relies on a continuous power supply, limiting its application in areas without power grid coverage (such as offshore platforms and remote pipelines) or in scenarios with high energy costs. Furthermore, the impressed current method requires complex equipment and wiring layouts, exhibiting poor environmental adaptability, especially in high-salinity and high-humidity environments, where the equipment itself is also susceptible to corrosion damage. Therefore, developing a self-powered cathodic protection technology that requires no external power source, has low maintenance costs, strong environmental adaptability, and can operate stably for extended periods has become an important interdisciplinary research direction.

[0004] In recent years, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs), as a novel mechanical energy harvesting technology, have demonstrated great potential in the field of self-powered energy supply due to their advantages such as simple structure, wide range of material choices, high output voltage, and strong environmental adaptability. TENGs can convert mechanical energy in the environment (such as wind energy, wave energy, vibration energy, and raindrop energy) into electrical energy, providing sustainable energy support for small electronic devices or protection systems. TENGs have particularly wide applications in high-salinity and high-humidity environments. For example, in marine environments, TENGs can utilize wave energy to power cathodic protection systems; in coastal or saline-alkali areas, TENGs can harvest wind energy or mechanical vibration energy to provide protective current for underground pipelines or steel structures; in industrial environments, TENGs can utilize the vibration energy of operating equipment to provide self-powered protection for metal components. This technology is not only applicable to ships, platforms, and subsea pipelines in marine engineering, but can also be extended to coastal buildings, bridges, port facilities, infrastructure in saline-alkali areas, and metal equipment in chemical plants and oil refineries.

[0005] Despite the significant advantages of TENGs in self-powered cathodic protection, they still face several key challenges in practical applications, particularly in complex environments with high salinity and humidity. First, the frequency and intensity of environmental mechanical energy vary widely. For example, ocean wave frequencies typically fluctuate between 0.2 Hz and 1.2 Hz, and the frequency distribution of wind and vibration energy also varies depending on environmental conditions. Existing TENG structures struggle to achieve wide-band, high-efficiency energy harvesting, resulting in low energy conversion efficiency. Second, the output power of TENGs is usually limited, making it difficult to meet the continuous and effective protection requirements of large-area metal surfaces, especially in large structures requiring high protective currents (such as long-distance pipelines and large storage tanks), where insufficient energy is particularly prominent. Third, high salinity and high humidity environments place higher demands on the durability of TENG materials and structures. Salt spray and humid conditions can lead to aging of friction materials, electrode corrosion, or deterioration of device performance, thus affecting the long-term stability of the system. Furthermore, optimizing the output characteristics of TENGs through power management strategies to convert their unstable AC power into stable DC protective current and achieve low-energy, high-efficiency cathodic protection is also a critical issue that urgently needs to be addressed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] (1) Technical problems to be solved To address the technical challenge of large-area corrosion prevention for metal parts of equipment exposed to air or underwater in complex marine environments with high salinity and humidity, this invention provides a self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array and equipment located in a marine environment equipped with the cathodic protection system.

[0007] (2) Technical solution This invention provides a self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array for cathodic protection of metal parts of equipment exposed to air or underwater in marine environments. The cathodic protection system includes at least one triboelectric nano-powered module and at least one resonator. Each resonator is fixed at one end to the equipment and at least one triboelectric nano-powered module is fixed at the other end, allowing it to oscillate due to wave energy, wind energy, or vibration of the equipment in the marine environment. The triboelectric nano-powered module comprises multiple triboelectric nano-powered units arranged in an array based on 3D printing. Each triboelectric nano-powered unit has a cavity and includes a roller movably housed within the cavity, and a conductive upper layer structure, an insulating middle layer structure, and a conductive lower layer structure stacked sequentially. The cavity extends sequentially from the upper layer structure through the middle layer structure to the lower layer structure. The inner wall surface of the cavity and the outer surface of the roller are respectively provided with triboelectric layers that generate charge through mutual friction. Both the upper and lower layers are electrically connected to the metal parts.

[0008] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the rollers are parallel to the extension direction of the cavity and can only move along the extension direction of the cavity.

[0009] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the cathodic protection system also includes a power management module. The upper and lower structures are electrically connected to the metal part through the power management module. The power management module is used to convert the AC power of the triboelectric nanogenerator into DC power for storage and to supply DC power to the metal part.

[0010] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the resonator is a broadband resonator or a spring.

[0011] As a further improvement to the above scheme, electrodes are provided on the upper and lower structures respectively, and the upper and lower structures are electrically connected to the metal part through corresponding electrodes.

[0012] Furthermore, the triboelectric nanogenerator module also includes an insulating shell housing multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units, with two electrodes penetrating the insulating shell and electrically connected to the metal portion. Even further, the electrodes employ a graphene-coated polylactic acid (PLA) layer structure. Preferably, the PLA layer has a thickness ranging from 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

[0013] As a further improvement to the above solution, the triboelectric nanogenerator module also includes an insulating shell that houses multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units, with the upper and lower structures electrically connected to the metal part via connecting wires.

[0014] As a further improvement to the above scheme, the friction layer is a polylactic acid layer. Furthermore, the thickness of the friction layer ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 mm.

[0015] This invention also provides a device located in a marine environment, which is equipped with any of the above-mentioned self-powered cathodic protection systems based on 3D printed triboelectric nano-powered arrays to provide cathodic protection for its metal parts exposed to air or underwater.

[0016] (3) Beneficial effects Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows.

[0017] 1. The protected area is greatly increased, achieving large-area corrosion protection.

[0018] The design of multiple triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) arranged in an array based on 3D printing increases the density of TENGs within the module. One cubic meter of TENG can efficiently protect at least three square meters of metal, thereby increasing energy harvesting density and output power per unit volume. This significantly improves the protection area compared to traditional cathodic protection technologies, addressing the challenge of large-area corrosion protection for exposed metal parts in complex marine environments with high salinity and humidity. It also solves the problems of high energy consumption, limited protection area, and poor environmental adaptability inherent in traditional cathodic protection technologies in marine engineering. This feature is particularly suitable for comprehensive corrosion protection of large engineering structures (such as offshore platforms, ships, cross-sea bridges, and deep-sea pipelines) and equipment with complex geometries. Furthermore, the modular design of the triboelectric nanogenerator module allows for flexible expansion of the protection area according to actual needs, significantly improving the system's applicability and economy.

[0019] 2. Energy consumption is significantly reduced, achieving large-area corrosion protection with ultra-low energy consumption.

[0020] This invention, through the design of a triboelectric nano-power generation module and a resonator, completely eliminates the dependence of traditional cathodic protection systems on external power sources. The cathodic protection system utilizes the resonator to harvest ambient mechanical energy, and then uses the triboelectric nano-power generation module to convert this mechanical energy into alternating current, achieving energy self-sufficiency. Compared to traditional external power supplies or sacrificial anode systems, energy consumption is reduced to near zero. This not only reduces operating costs but also avoids the risk of protection failure due to power supply interruptions in traditional systems.

[0021] 3. Enhanced environmental adaptability.

[0022] This system utilizes broadband resonant technology through resonators. For example, broadband resonators that can operate stably under wide-bandgap wave conditions of 0.2-1.2 Hz are selected, enabling them to adapt to energy harvesting requirements of different sea states, wind speeds, or vibration frequencies, thus overcoming the dependence of traditional self-powered systems on single environmental conditions.

[0023] 4. Easy to operate and maintain.

[0024] This system requires no complex external power supply equipment or frequent maintenance, reducing manual intervention and operating costs, and achieving a truly self-sustaining operating mode.

[0025] 5. Environmental friendliness.

[0026] The system does not rely on fossil fuels, reducing the energy consumption and environmental pollution that may occur in traditional cathodic protection systems. It conforms to the concept of green and sustainable development, making it the preferred environmentally friendly solution in marine engineering, industrial corrosion protection, and even urban infrastructure.

[0027] 6. Improved energy utilization efficiency.

[0028] By connecting a power management module between the TENG energy harvesting module (i.e., the triboelectric nanogenerator module) and the protected cathode, the power management module converts the AC power generated by the TENG energy harvesting module into DC power, thereby improving the conversion efficiency of the self-powered cathode protection system for ocean wave energy, ensuring a stable output of the protection potential, and maximizing energy utilization. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-generator array provided by this utility model.

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the triboelectric nanogenerator module in the cathodic protection system.

[0031] Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the triboelectric nanogenerator module, with the right-hand region shown in cross-section to illustrate the charge transfer process during the movement of the rollers.

[0032] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the optimized performance of a triboelectric nanogenerator module.

[0033] Figure 5 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of broadband energy harvesting in a medium-cathode protection system.

[0034] Figure 6 To be Figure 2 A schematic diagram illustrating the power management principle of converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC) and storing it using a triboelectric nanogenerator module.

[0035] Figure 7 For existence or non-existence Figure 1The 25 cm before and after the cathodic protection system 2 A comparative diagram of the corroded surface of Q235 carbon steel. Detailed Implementation

[0036] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0037] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "installed on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or it may be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "set on" another component, it can be directly set on the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it. When a component is said to be "fixed to" another component, it can be directly fixed to the other component or it may also be in a component that is centered on it.

[0038] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. The term "or / and" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0039] This embodiment discloses a self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array. This system is used to provide cathodic protection for the exposed metal parts of equipment located in marine environments, whether in the air or underwater. Equipment in marine environments can include coastal building structures, port facilities, ships, bridges, oil and gas pipelines, chemical equipment, and underground metal components in saline-alkali areas. In coastal areas, reinforced concrete structures corrode rapidly due to chloride ion penetration; in saline-alkali areas, underground metallic pipelines suffer severe corrosion due to high soil salinity; and in industrial environments, metal equipment in chemical plants ages rapidly due to high humidity and acidic salt spray. The cathodic protection system of this invention can be used to protect metallic components in all these situations.

[0040] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation of the self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array provided by this invention. The cathodic protection system can be fixed to equipment, such as... Figure 1The mounting part 6 can be any part of the equipment, as long as it can sway with the equipment. The equipment can be driven to sway by wave energy, wind energy or its own power mechanism in the marine environment.

[0041] The cathodic protection system includes at least one triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 (such as...) Figure 2 The device includes at least one resonator 3 (as shown), and may also include a power management module and at least one housing 4 corresponding to at least one triboelectric nano-power generation module 1. The actual number of triboelectric nano-power generation modules 1 and resonators 3 can be determined by the actual area of ​​the metal parts of the device exposed in the air or underwater. In this embodiment, for ease of description, the number is illustrated using one as an example. Each resonator 3 is fixed at one end to the device, and at least one triboelectric nano-power generation module 1 is fixed at the other end and can be driven to sway by wave energy, wind energy, or vibration of the device in the marine environment. Therefore, wave energy, wind energy, or vibration of the device in the marine environment can drive the resonator 3 to sway, thereby causing the resonator 3 to drive the triboelectric nano-power generation module 1 to sway, and thus the triboelectric nano-power generation module 1 collects mechanical energy through the principles of triboelectric charging and electrostatic induction. In actual use, each resonator 3 can fix multiple triboelectric nano-power generation modules 1, as long as the resonator 3 has sufficient deformation force to drive the triboelectric nano-power generation module 1 to sway. Each housing 4 houses one triboelectric nano-power generation module 1 for protection and to extend the service life of the corresponding triboelectric nano-power generation module 1.

[0042] Please refer to the following: Figure 2 and Figure 3 , Figure 2 for Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 in the cathodic protection system. Figure 3 for Figure 2 An exploded view of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1, in which the right side is cut apart to show the charge transfer process during the movement of the roller 22 (described below).

[0043] The triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 comprises multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units 2 arranged in an array based on 3D printing. The module utilizes 3D printing technology to construct the array of all triboelectric nanogenerator units 2, thus each unit can be fixed to a flexible substrate (i.e., the outer shell 4) using 3D printing technology, ensuring mechanical stability under wave action. Each triboelectric nanogenerator unit 2 has a cavity 21 and includes a roller 22 movably housed within the cavity 21, and sequentially stacked conductive upper structure 23, insulating middle structure 24, and conductive lower structure 25. The cavity 21 extends sequentially from the upper structure 23 through the middle structure 24 into the lower structure 25. The inner wall surface of the cavity 21 and the outer surface of the roller 22 are respectively provided with triboelectric layers capable of generating charges through mutual friction. Both the upper structure 23 and the lower structure 25 are electrically connected to metal components.

[0044] During the shaking of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1, the roller 22 moves along the extension direction of the cavity 21. However, since both the upper structure 23 and the lower structure 25 are electrically connected to the metal parts, charge transfer occurs within the triboelectric nanogenerator unit 2, forming a current. Thus, the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 becomes a generator supplying power to the metal parts. Figure 3 As shown in the right-hand region, positive charge 27 moves to negative charge 28, and then to positive charge in the lower structure 25. When the roller 22 moves in the upper structure 23, it can generate positive charge 27 due to friction. The roller 22 carrying positive charge 27 rolls to the middle structure 24 to generate positive charge 28, and then moves to the lower structure 25 to generate positive charge 27. The friction layer material can be conductive (PLA + graphene) and PTFE roller. The technical solution can be expanded to other high-performance triboelectric electrode materials, such as PLA plus other conductive materials (carbon nanotubes, carbon black, acetylene black, etc.). The substrate material can be other dielectric layer materials, such as FEP, PDMS, PA, etc. Alternatively, a dielectric material can be coated on the conductive PAL material electrode 26 as a friction layer.

[0045] Addressing the common challenge of electrochemical corrosion in metallic materials under harsh environments such as high salinity and high humidity, which significantly reduces structural safety and service life, this invention presents an electrocathode protection system designed as a structurally optimized 3D-printed arrayed triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) self-powered cathodic protection system. This system aims to provide a green and efficient protection solution for various corrosion scenarios. Please refer to... Figure 4 and Figure 5 Through innovative design of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1, the thickness of the insulating layer (i.e., the middle layer structure 24) of the triboelectric nanogenerator unit 2 was optimized, thereby improving energy harvesting efficiency. Figure 4This invention focuses on optimizing the performance of a triboelectric nanogenerator module by adjusting the thickness of the intermediate insulating layer to determine the optimal thickness. Further research explores the impact of the friction layer spacing on the TENG output performance. The study found an optimal window for spacing adjustment. On one hand, when the spacing is too large, the device's output performance decreases. This is because, although the roller's stroke length is longer, the electric field distribution between the two friction layers becomes too diffuse. This weakened electric field prevents the friction-generated charge from effectively completing electrostatic induction on the opposite electrode, significantly reducing the effective transferred charge and ultimately leading to a decrease in output voltage and current. On the other hand, when the spacing is too small (e.g., 2 mm), the output performance is also suppressed. This is mainly due to two factors: First, the roller's proximity to the non-target electrode during movement creates electrostatic shielding or cancellation effects, interfering with effective charge induction. Second, and more importantly, the extremely small spacing makes it easy for the local electric field strength to exceed the dielectric breakdown threshold of air. By introducing a broadband resonator design and optimizing the resonator parameters, efficient harvesting of mechanical energy (such as waves, wind, or vibration) over a broadband frequency range of 0.2 Hz to 1.2 Hz was achieved. Figure 5 As shown, this system adapts to the low-frequency energy characteristics of different environments. A one-cubic-meter triboelectric nanogenerator module1 can protect a metal portion covering at least three square meters, demonstrating superior space utilization efficiency compared to traditional self-powered systems, effectively reducing system size and energy consumption. This technology provides an innovative solution for constructing self-sustaining large-scale marine corrosion protection systems. In the future, it is expected to further promote the development of green and sustainable anti-corrosion technologies in the marine engineering field and reduce the environmental footprint.

[0046] Resonator 3 can be a broadband resonator or a spring. Resonator 3 is used to harvest ocean wave energy, with a frequency response range of 0.2-1.2 Hz. Resonator 3 can employ a spring-mass system design, with the preferred mass range being 0.5-2 kg and the preferred spring stiffness range being 10-50 N / m. Resonator 3 selects a spring stiffness adapted to the TENG mass to mechanically couple the frequency of ocean waves, driving the left-right movement of the small roller (roller 22) inside the TENG module (i.e., triboelectric nanogenerator unit 2). The preferred dimensions are 300 mm × 300 mm × 200 mm. Using resonator 3, the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 achieves wave energy harvesting from 0.2 Hz to 1.2 Hz.

[0047] To enhance the effectiveness of the frictional motion, the roller 22 is parallel to the extending direction of the cavity 21 and can only move along the extending direction of the cavity 21, rather than the ball 22 rolling along its own central axis. The material of the friction layer is preferably polylactic acid (PLA), and the thickness is preferably in the range of 0.1-0.3 mm. The array size of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 is preferably 65 mm × 65 mm × 50 mm (length × width × height), and the spacing between multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units 2 is preferably in the range of 5-10 mm, so as to achieve a high protection area (3 m²) for the metal part with a one cubic meter triboelectric nanogenerator module 1.

[0048] The upper structure 23 and the lower structure 25 can be electrically connected to the metal part through a power management module. The power management module is used to convert the alternating current of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 into direct current for storage and to supply direct current to the metal part (e.g., ...). Figure 3 The load 5 in the figure can be the equivalent resistance of the same metal part. The upper structure 23 and the lower structure 25 can each be provided with electrodes 26, and the upper structure 23 and the lower structure 25 can be electrically connected to the metal part through corresponding electrodes 26. In this embodiment, since the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 is wrapped with an insulating shell 4, two electrodes 26 need to penetrate the insulating shell 4 to electrically connect to the metal part. The electrodes 26 can adopt a structure of graphene wrapped with a polylactic acid layer, and the thickness of the polylactic acid layer is preferably in the range of 0.05-0.15 mm.

[0049] The power management module is responsible for converting the alternating current (AC) generated by the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 into direct current (DC). For example... Figure 6 As shown, the power management module may include a rectifier circuit, an energy storage capacitor (preferably with a capacitance value in the range of 100-10000 μF), and a Buck converter. The system is encapsulated in a protective housing 4 (material such as polyethylene, IP68 rating), with the housing 4 preferably measuring 600 mm × 600 mm × 300 mm. The triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 is fixed to the resonator 3, and the power management module and electrode 26 are connected by a cable (preferably with a cable length in the range of 1-5 m) to ensure reliable operation in high-salinity and high-humidity environments. By integrating an advanced power management module, the system converts the unstable output of the triboelectric nanogenerator module 1 into stable DC power and optimizes the internal component units, solving the impedance mismatch problem between energy harvesting and application, and achieving a protection potential of -1.05 V (far below the critical potential of most metals in corrosive environments), providing sufficient cathodic protection for the surface of the metal parts.

[0050] The application of the cathodic protection system of this utility model is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 For existence or non-existence Figure 1 25 cm before and after the cathodic protection system 2A comparative diagram of the corroded surface of Q235 carbon steel. Figure 7 The content in the upper middle two areas represents the 25 cm before and after the cathodic protection system was not applied. 2 A comparative illustration of the corrosion surface of Q235 carbon steel. The two lower areas represent 25 cm before and after the application of a cathodic protection system. 2 A comparative illustration of the corroded surfaces of Q235 carbon steel. The actual protective effect is visually confirmed by the surface morphology analysis in the lower right corner. After a 10-hour immersion test, the unprotected steel surface was covered with clearly visible corrosion products, while the surface protected by the anti-corrosion system remained smooth as before, almost identical to its initial state. This provides direct and strong evidence for the system's effectiveness in preventing corrosion.

[0051] Therefore, this utility model has the following advantages: 1. Structural optimization design: Performance optimization: Adjust the insulation layer thickness of the triboelectric nanogenerator unit 1 to avoid electron loss due to the electrode distance being too close, thereby improving its output power.

[0052] Modularity and scalability: The modular array design of TENG units is realized through 3D printing technology, which supports the customization of system scale according to the size and shape of the target metal structure, increases energy harvesting density, improves the output power per unit volume, and adapts to the protection needs of everything from small equipment to large infrastructure (such as submarine pipelines and bridge steel structures).

[0053] Material durability and environmental adaptability: Corrosion-resistant, wear-resistant, and high-temperature-resistant polymer materials (such as PTFE, PDMS, and FEP) are selected as the friction layer, and the TENG unit is encapsulated to be waterproof, salt spray-proof, and acid gas-proof to ensure the long-term stability of the system under extreme conditions such as marine, desert, and industrial acidic environments.

[0054] 2. Intelligent energy management and protection regulation: Impedance matching: Optimized internal component units solve the impedance mismatch problem between energy harvesting and application.

[0055] Adaptive voltage and current regulation: Develop intelligent power management circuits that dynamically adjust the output potential and current based on the intensity and frequency of the environmental mechanical energy input and the corrosion potential requirements of the target metal, ensuring stable protection even under energy fluctuations or environmental changes.

[0056] Energy storage and continuous power supply: Integrates high-capacity supercapacitors or micro batteries to store excess energy to cope with interruptions in mechanical energy input (such as when ocean waves are calm or wind is insufficient), achieving all-weather, uninterrupted cathodic protection.

[0057] 3. Adaptability to multiple scenarios and energy sources: Broadband and multi-mode energy harvesting: Optimize TENG structural parameters to make it not only suitable for ocean wave energy, but also efficient in harvesting various mechanical or environmental energies such as wind, vibration, water flow, human activity and even thermal coupling, expanding application scenarios to coastal buildings, chemical plant equipment, transportation infrastructure (such as railways and bridges), and saline-alkali pipelines in desert areas.

[0058] Environment-specific optimization: System performance testing and parameter adjustment are conducted for different corrosive environments (such as seawater, salt spray, acidic gases, and alkaline soils), and environment-specific protection modes (such as a high-salinity mode for seawater and an acid-resistant mode for chemical plants) are developed to ensure protection effectiveness under various harsh conditions.

[0059] In summary, the self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array, as described in this embodiment, is suitable for various corrosion scenarios. It aims to achieve long-term corrosion protection of metallic materials by utilizing mechanical energy commonly found in the environment (such as waves, wind, vibration, flowing water, or human activity), overcoming the shortcomings of traditional cathodic protection technologies in terms of energy consumption, protection area, and environmental adaptability. The cathodic protection system can improve the energy harvesting efficiency of the triboelectric nano-powered module 1 by optimizing the materials of the triboelectric layer (such as polymers PTFE and PDMS combined with metal composites) and the geometric parameters of the electrodes (such as contact area, distance between insulating layers, and array density). By introducing a wideband resonator design, it achieves efficient harvesting of mechanical energy (such as waves, wind, or vibration) across a wide frequency range of 0.2 Hz to 1.2 Hz, adapting to the low-frequency energy characteristics of different environments. The power management module rectifies, regulates, and intelligently controls the electrical energy output from the triboelectric nano-powered module 1 to output a stable protection potential, applying the electrical energy to the protected metal to form effective corrosion protection.

[0060] This invention can be used in the protection of marine infrastructure, including but not limited to cathodic protection of offshore oil and gas platforms, corrosion protection of steel piles for cross-sea bridges, and corrosion monitoring of subsea pipelines. It can also be extended to the protection of any metal structure exposed to corrosive media, such as ship ballast tanks, port steel structures, offshore wind power foundations, industrial corrosion protection, and even urban infrastructure. The electrode configuration design can also include interdigitated arrays, multi-layer stacked structures, and flexible foldable designs to adapt to the space constraints required under different complex working conditions. Leveraging the customization advantages of 3D printing technology, this system can quickly optimize the electrode topology and packaging scheme for specific application scenarios, achieving a synergistic improvement in corrosion protection efficiency and space adaptability.

[0061] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0062] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of this utility model, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the utility model patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this utility model, and these all fall within the protection scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array, used for cathodic protection of metal parts of equipment located in marine environments exposed to air or underwater, characterized in that... The cathodic protection system includes at least one triboelectric nanogenerator module (1) and at least one resonator (3); one end of each resonator (3) is fixed to the equipment, and the other end is fixed to at least one triboelectric nanogenerator module (1) and can be driven to sway by wave energy, wind energy or vibration of the equipment in the marine environment; The triboelectric nanogenerator module (1) includes multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units (2) arranged in an array based on 3D printing. Each triboelectric nanogenerator unit (2) has a cavity (21) and includes a roller (22) that is movably housed in the cavity (21) and a conductive upper structure (23), an insulating middle structure (24), and a conductive lower structure (25) stacked in sequence. The cavity (21) extends from the upper structure (23) through the middle structure (24) to the lower structure (25). The inner wall surface of the cavity (21) and the outer surface of the roller (22) are respectively provided with a triboelectric layer that can generate charge by mutual friction. The upper structure (23) and the lower structure (25) are both electrically connected to the metal part.

2. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The roller (22) is parallel to the extension direction of the cavity (21) and can only move along the extension direction of the cavity (21); And / or, the cathodic protection system also includes a power management module, the upper structure (23) and the lower structure (25) are electrically connected to the metal part through the power management module, the power management module is used to convert the AC power of the triboelectric nano-power generation module (1) into DC power for storage, and supply DC power to the metal part; And / or, the resonator (3) is a broadband resonator or a spring.

3. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper structure (23) and the lower structure (25) are respectively provided with electrodes (26), and the upper structure (23) and the lower structure (25) are electrically connected to the metal part through the corresponding electrodes (26).

4. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The triboelectric nanogenerator module (1) also includes an insulating shell (4) that houses multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units (2), and two electrodes (26) are electrically connected to the metal part after penetrating the insulating shell (4).

5. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electrode (26) adopts a structure in which graphene is wrapped with a polylactic acid layer.

6. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 5, characterized in that, The thickness of the polylactic acid layer ranges from 0.05 to 0.15 mm.

7. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The triboelectric nanogenerator module (1) also includes an insulating shell (4) that houses multiple triboelectric nanogenerator units (2), and the upper structure (23) and the lower structure (25) are electrically connected to the metal part via connecting lines.

8. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 1, characterized in that, The friction layer is a polylactic acid layer.

9. The self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array according to claim 8, characterized in that, The thickness of the friction layer ranges from 0.1 to 0.3 mm.

10. A device for use in a marine environment, characterized in that, It is equipped with a self-powered cathodic protection system based on a 3D-printed triboelectric nano-powered array as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 to provide cathodic protection for its exposed metal parts in the air or underwater.

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