Energy harvesting technologies are set to transform the landscape of IoT (Internet of Things) and consumer electronics by offering sustainable, efficient, and innovative power solutions.
By harnessing ambient energy sources, these technologies aim to reduce dependence on traditional batteries, addressing environmental concerns and improving device performance.
Reducing Environmental Impact and Enhancing Device Longevity
The rapid development of energy harvesting technologies is essential for minimizing electronic waste and increasing device efficiency and lifespan. By utilizing readily available energy sources like light, vibrations, and radio waves, these innovations ensure a continuous power supply for devices in various environments, especially in remote or challenging locations.
Company Innovations Driving Energy Harvesting
GlobalData’s Disruptor Intelligence Center’s Innovation Explorer database highlights the growing potential of energy harvesting through various company developments.
- Ambient Photonics: The US-based startup has introduced bifacial solar cell technology that harnesses energy from both sides of the cell, significantly enhancing efficiency. This innovation is particularly effective in low-light indoor conditions, providing a sustainable power source for devices like remote controls, electronic shelf labels, and sensors.
- Sony Semiconductor Solutions: Sony has developed an energy harvesting module that utilizes electromagnetic wave noise, offering a stable power supply for low-power IoT devices. This technology harnesses electromagnetic noise from electronic devices, enabling efficient power generation and device status identification across various industries.
- POLYN Technology: This Israeli startup has unveiled Vibrosense, an ultra-low-power AI chip designed for vibration pre-processing. By reducing the amount of sensor data transmitted to the cloud, this chip conserves energy and facilitates energy-harvesting designs. Vibrosense is particularly beneficial for applications like structural health monitoring and industrial automation.
- CAP-XX: The Australian electronics manufacturer has launched a miniature cylindrical supercapacitor, the GY, designed for IoT, medical, and other space-constrained devices. This supercapacitor offers high peak pulse power, operates across a wide temperature range, and supports energy harvesting for various applications, including HVAC sensors and portable medical devices.
Overcoming Challenges for Widespread Adoption
While energy harvesting technologies offer immense potential, challenges such as energy variability, high manufacturing costs, and device efficiency need to be addressed to realize their full benefits. Collaborative efforts between manufacturers, researchers, and other stakeholders are crucial for overcoming these obstacles and driving the widespread adoption of these promising technologies.