Development of contact sensor using synthetic sulfide

Abstract

Wear of sliding parts is a major cause of motor failure. Due to this fact, the demand for a contact sensor for monitoring the wear state of the sliding portion increases. In this research, using a thermoelectric module made of sulfide semiconductor, we pursue a contact sensor that can evaluate the contact state from frictional heat and can be an independent power source. In this presentation, we will report the suitable semiconductors for this sensor and the power generation results of thermoelectric modules using this semiconductor. Through experiments, it was found that tin sulfide containing 10% carbon ((Sn-S)_0.9-C_0.1) is useful as a p-type semiconductor used in this sensor from the viewpoint of friction characteristics and thermoelectric characteristics. A thermoelectric module manufactured using (Sn-S)_0.9-C_0.1 and TiS₂, which is an n-type semiconductor, was subjected to a power generation test by friction heat. As a result, experimental value larger than the theoretical value was shown, and the possibility that combined power generation of thermoelectric power generation and triboelectric charging power generation occurred was found.