Composite Material-Based Nano-Friction RFID Wind Speed Sensor

Wind speed detection plays a crucial role in agricultural production. For example, vegetation drones performing spraying operations are affected by wind speed, and strong winds may cause soil erosion and drought problems. Therefore, this article attempts to investigate a low-cost, wind speed sensor for the detection of wind speed in agricultural environments. The sensor is made of nanocomposite material consisting of ZnO, TiO₂, and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), which uses nano friction between the nanomaterials to convert wind energy into electrical energy. The sensor receiving antenna was simulated and optimized by HFSS simulation software and the wind speed sensor was prepared by engraved printing technique. The morphology of ZnO/TiO₂/RGO composites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The combination of nanorod-shaped ZnO, nanorod-shaped TiO₂, and flaky RGO has good electron migration ability and large surface area, which promotes the friction power generation of the material. In this article, the amplitude change of the antenna center resonance point of the wind speed sensor is about 10.7 dB under the wind speed change from 0 to 10 m/s, and its sensitivity is 1.07 dB/m/s. The response time and the recovery time of the sensor are 0.8 and 0.45 s, respectively. It has been proved experimentally that the wind speed sensor element can be reused. This research will bring more innovation and development opportunities for agricultural production.