RUNNING HEAD: HARNESSING FRICTION ENERGY

The Power of Friction and Harnessing its Energy for Everyday Use
Progress Report
By Sidney Boakye and Amy Nguyen
10/26/2016
Objectives:
To specify the research and develop a concrete plan.

RUNNING HEAD: HARNESSING FRICTION ENERGY

Materials and Methods

Over the course of the past two weeks, we have developed a complete list of materials.
We still have done no experimentation as we have not yet submitted the order form. Over the
course of the next two weeks, we plan to submit the order form and develop a solid plan to
complete the project as well as do further research on voltage, amplitude, and wattage of the
Samsung Galaxy 4 phone. We will also do more research on specific aspects of the device that
were not specified in the original experiment. We have, as of now, completed the research for the
availability of our materials, which can be easily found in local department stores.

Materials
10 by 10 inch sheet of faux fur (we have now specified the material as faux fur is more
inexpensive and available to the general public for use)
1 Plexiglas rod (can be purchased at a local store called Home Depot)
Breadboard
Wires (approximately 10)
Volt Meter
Samsung Galaxy 4 Phone
Samsung Galaxy 4 Charger
Vex Motor
Vex Chasis
Battery

RUNNING HEAD: HARNESSING FRICTION ENERGY

Method:
Our plan is to create a triboelectric based generator with everyday materials which can
eventually charge a Samsung Galaxy 4 up to at least 25% in 30 minutes. Using a basic concept
of chemistry, redox reactions, triboelectricity can be made with two materials. One that will
accept electrons and one that will donate electrons. The faux fur will donate the electron, while
the plexiglas rod, as it is rolling across the faux fur, will accept the electron generating static
electricity. The product of this redox reaction will be used to power the phone. To ensure safety,
an apparatus will be built using vex parts to eliminate the need for physical contact with the faux
fur and/or the plexiglas rod.
The end goal is to be able to connect a Samsung Galaxy 4 to this triboelectric based
generator and having it charged to at least 25% in 30 minutes.

RUNNING HEAD: HARNESSING FRICTION ENERGY

Data/Results:
As we are still in the beginning stages of our project, we have no data or results collected
at the moment.

RUNNING HEAD: HARNESSING FRICTION ENERGY

References
Kurtus, R. (2016). Materials that Cause Static Electricity. Retrieved from
http://www.school-for-champions.com/science/static_materials.htm#.V_Zhs-ArLIU
Redox Reactions. (2003). Retrieved from http://www.shodor.org/unchem/advanced/redox/
Toon, J. (2012). Triboelectric Generator Produces Electricity by Harnessing Frictional
Forces.http://www.news.gatech.edu/2012/07/10/triboelectric-generator-produces
-electricity-harnessing-frictional-forces
Toon, J. (2013). Georgia Institute of Technology. Retrieved from
http://www.news.gatech.edu/2013/12/07/harvesting-electricity-triboelctricgenerators-capture-wasted-power